Supreme Court yesterday.

Abandoned by his lawyer minutes before his trial was due to start, David Anthony Brangman was told the case would go ahead regardless.

But Brangman pointedly closed his files and told the Chief Justice he refused to stand trial without a lawyer.

"I refuse to be self represented,'' he said. "I am in no position to represent myself. (This trial) means too much to put myself in jeopardy. I refuse.'' Brangman, 30, of Warwick, denies importing and possessing a canister of Chemical Shield -- a prohibited weapon -- between June 8 and June 11, 1992.

He is further accused of assaulting two Police officers, offensive behaviour and violently resisting arrest on or about June 11.

Brangman pleaded innocent to all six charges.

Before the charges were read, lawyer Mr. Michael Scott made an application to abandon the case.

He said Brangman had failed to pay or produce a legal aid certificate.

On that basis, he said, he would be unable to further represent Brangman.

The Chief Justice made moves to continue with the trial saying Brangman had had ample time to come up with the fees.

"You had 18 months to find the money. It is clear you haven't been pursuing this assiduously,'' he told him. "Do not expect Government to look after your financial affairs.'' But Brangman, who was not eligible for legal aid, told Mr. Justice Ward he refused to go ahead with the trial without a lawyer.

"My business went under,'' he said. "I find myself broke. I ask for compassion and understanding.'' Mr. Justice Ward gave Brangman 24 hours to find a lawyer before the trial goes ahead this morning. Meanwhile, he remanded Brangman in custody.

Mr. Khamisi Tokunbo represents the Crown.