accused of allowing an unregistered employee to sell property.

Yesterday, the prosecution's star witness told Magistrate Edward King that Ivan Macdonald Clarke directed her in three transactions in December 1997 and early this year.

And at the start of an eventful day, Clarke's lawyer, Michael Telemaque, walked out in a huff after locking horns with Mr. King. They were disputing whether Clarke understood amended charges when he pleaded not guilty in August.

Clarke, 67, of Union Street, denies permitting Malika Battersbee to trade as an agent with Juliana Swan between January 19 and 27, and with Albert and Mary Woods between January 27 and February 3.

An identical charge dates from between December 1 and 6, 1997 when she traded with Zurie Tate and Delmika Burchall.

Clarke denies a fourth charge -- added yesterday -- of refusing or neglecting to turn over the financial records of the company to the finance minister between January 8 and June 8.

Battersbee, who pleaded guilty on Tuesday and was fined $500 for unlicensed trading, said she was Clarke's secretarial assistant.

She said it was her duty to answer the telephone, type, and accompany Clarke out of the office to "list properties''.

Battersbee said she showed Ms Swan an apartment at Roberts Avenue, Devonshire and talked to Clarke about Ms Swan's request for a written proposal for the apartment.

She added: "He told me exactly what to put on the paper. I typed as he was dictating to me and I faxed it to Ms Swan. It was signed by myself.'' When Crown counsel Larry Mussenden asked her why she signed the proposal, Battersbee answered: "Mr. Clarke had always said he had a problem with his eyes. And that it is part of my duties to sign proposals to clients.'' She showed apartments to the Woods' at Clarke's direction, saying: "He said to me `they're your boyfriend's people, you take them,' and walked out.'' Battersbee told the court Clarke later told her to call the Woods' and tell them he had another client and they should pay a deposit.

Battersbee also said she showed an apartment to Ms Tate and her mother before Christmas last year and agreed to allow Ms Tate and Ms Burchall to rent.

Under cross-examination by Clarke on what other properties she showed last year, Battersbee said: "The properties you instructed me to show.'' In answer to Clarke's question if she ever told him she passed the Agent's exam, Battersbee said: "No.'' Mr. Telemaque earlier requested an adjournment because he was new to the case and Clarke did not understand the charges.

But he admitted to Mr. King that he had read the relevant section of the Real Estate Agent's Licensing Act.

"And you're still running away?'' Mr. King retorted before Mr. Telemaque left the courtroom.