Friday, September 13, 2024

8 THE WEEKEND STAR NEWS • September 13 - 15, 2024 @JamaicaStar www.facebook.com/JamaicaStar • www.jamaica-star.com TIFFANY TAYLOR STAR Writer C riminal charges have been laid against a Corporate Area woman who the authorities claim operated a restaurant from a residential address. Nicola Whitelocke is facing a fine of $25,000 or 12 months’ imprisonment should she enter a plea of guilty for failure to cease operating a restaurant, contrary to the Town and Country Planning Act. Prosecutors in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court content that the restaurant, located at a Kingston 6 address, was served notice on October 6, 2023 and was given a further stop order by the National Environment and Planning Agency on July 18. The allegations state that Whitelocke’s operation continued, even though she was issued the initial notice. Attorney-at-law Rykel Chong submitted that Whitelocke was not operating a restaurant, but was hosting weekly get-togethers for her friends. “She had Friday night lymes and only collected money as contribution for food,” Chong argued. However, Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell scoffed at the suggestion that Whitelocke was merely entertaining friends with her cooking. “I am so glad that I am no longer a practising attorney because some of the things you people clients tell you. I think people are spreading rumours that judges have no sense, and I think people don’t believe judges live in the real world,” Burrell said. The prosecution contended further that an inspection of the property showed tents cemented to the ground, with one having tables for the selection of the meats and another for the preparation of the meals. ”Your client is wasting time. I don’t know who has the energy to keep a lyme every Friday night,” the senior jurist said. “You get one mention date to get your instructions,” Burrell said, before adjourning the matter for November 28. Woman charged for using home as a restaurant