By FARRAH JOHNSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
A MAGISTRATE is set to determine the fate of a businessman who sold numbers at his bar without a valid licence.
Emilus Nothelus, 52, was charged after he allowed his mini bar to conduct gaming activities without the appropriate licence on July 29.
He admitted the offence during his hearing before Senior Magistrate Derence Rolle Davis.
The court was told that officers, acting on information, went to Nothelus’ mini-bar on Charles W Saunders Highway. The prosecution said when officers visited the establishment, they were able to purchase a three-ball ticket. He said when officers executed their search warrant on the bar, they recovered three printers used to print off the lottery tickets.
Nothelus was subsequently arrested. When he was questioned in custody, he admitted he was not given permission to “sell numbers” and admitted his current business licence only allowed him to sell wholesale items and liquor.
Yesterday, Nothelus was represented by attorney Miranda Adderley. She told the magistrate her client had no previous convictions and was forthright with the police from the beginning of their investigation. Ms Adderley also insisted Nothelus was remorseful and contrite for the “poor decision” he made.
After listening to her plea in mitigation, Magistrate Rolle Davis accepted Nothelus guilty plea and adjourned the matter to August 5 for sentencing.
The defendant’s bail was extended until that time.
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