Lawyers for a couple due to stand trial accused of organising illegal gaming have told a court that prosecutions for such offences are rare.
Connor McAreavey (35) and Sarah Sullivan (34), both of Leeson Street off the Grosvenor Road, appeared on Wednesday at Belfast Crown Court for a short arraignment hearing.
McAreavey entered a not guilty plea to organising or managing prohibited gaming at Leeson Street between January 1 2020 and December 31 2022.
He further denied four counts of converting criminal property, three counts of possessing criminal property totalling around £63,500, along with €2,065, and one of transferring criminal property.
Sullivan denied organising or managing prohibited gaming at Leeson Street between January 1 2020 and December 31 2022.
She also pleaded not guilty to three counts of converting criminal property totalling £93,000, including £75,000 for the purchase of a caravan.
Sullivan further denied possessing criminal property of £6,887.79p and €2,065.
Defence barrister Sean Devine for Sullivan told the court that he had sent Freedom of Information requests to statutory bodies involved in the prosecution of these offences under the Betting Gaming Lotteries and Amusement (Northern Ireland) Order 1985.
“There have only been a handful of prosecutions over the years under this legislation,” said Mr Devine.
“We have raised some concerns about the criminalisation of this behaviour where ordinarily individuals are given a warning and an opportunity to desist.
“There are ongoing discussions between the parties and the prosecution to see if the matter could be compromised and which would be acceptable to all sides.”
Judge Philip Gilpin set the trial date for October 6. He released McAreavey and Sullivan on continuing bail.