Resident Magistrate (RM) Marjorie Moisten yesterday ordered 10 men charged with assembling and gambling to return to court on April 14, to determine who is to be charged with actual gambling.

The matter came up for hearing in the Port Antonio Resident Magistrate's Court at Bryans Bay, and all 10 pleaded not guilty to gambling when asked by the RM. The 10 accused, including an elderly man, were arrested in December by a police party during a routine exercise in Long Bay.

It is understood that the men were among a group playing cards for money, when they were spotted and subsequently arrested by the police. But during yesterdays sitting, RM Moisten told the men that the prosecution is in the process of laying a charge of gambling on those who were caught in the illicit act.

RM Moisten told the clerk of the court that the matter should be transferred to Manchioneal RM Court, as where they were arrested is nearer to that courthouse.

And in extending bail, Moisten warned the men to desist from such practices, especially in a public setting, as it requires a licence under the Betting, Gaming, and Lotteries Act.

She also told them that when they return to court in April, they will know who is to be charged with actual gambling.