A Bermudian bishop's son accused of assaulting a Policeman could face ten years in an American jail.

But Orlando Outerbridge's lawyer yesterday told The Royal Gazette her client had a strong defence.

"I never say that any of my clients will win or lose, but I will say he has an arguable case,'' said Anita Winfough.

Outerbridge is set to go on trial at Brevard Circuit Court, Florida, on Monday or the following week. Assistant State Attorney David Arthur will prosecute.

The 24-year-old son of Bishop Vernon Outerbridge has pleaded not guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a law enforcement officer.

He also denies the aggravated assault of his girlfriend, Pauline Burgess.

Ms Winfough said each offence -- a third degree felony -- carried a maximum sentence of five years.

"That means he could be sentenced to a maximum of ten years in jail.'' Last year, Outerbridge was shot four times by Florida Police after an alleged argument with his girlfriend.

Officers in the city of Melbourne said he was armed with a knife when they were called to an incident last November.

Police claim he lunged at one of the Policemen, who opened fire, wounding Outerbridge in the shoulder, back, right arm and chest.

An investigation was launched into the incident and the officer who fired the shots, Patrolman Vince Esposito, was given leave from duty.

Outerbridge -- who lives in Florida -- was later released from hospital and taken to jail.

Earlier this year, he appeared before Judge Tonya Rainwater and pleaded not guilty to assault.

Yesterday Ms Winfough, Assistant Public Defender in Brevard County, said her client would maintain in court that the assault "never happened''.

"It certainly did not happen in the way the officers said it did.'' She added the alleged assault of Outerbridge's girlfriend followed a "heated argument''.

"The girlfriend has told one person one story of what happened, and told the Police another story. That is what we will be saying in court.'' Ms Winfough said Outerbridge had been in Brevard County Jail for almost a year, awaiting trial.

"The problem is that we have such a heavy caseload it's difficult to work on a case quickly.

"We have to do things as we can. I have about 100 clients. I don't like the situation, but that's the way things are.'' Ms Winfough said Outerbridge was bearing up well.

"He seems to be in good spirits. His father comes up to see him whenever he can.'' BERMUDIAN BDA