By KRYSTEL ROLLE, Guardian Staff Reporter

A 78-year-old resident of Lyford Cay, who was charged yesterday with gambling, told the court that he was unaware that the law prohibited him from gambling and had in fact been doing it for 18 years.

It is alleged that on September 24 Robert Halat, who was listed in court documents as a Bahamian citizen, unlawfully took part in a poker game at the Atlantis Casino on Paradise Island.

But before Magistrate Guillimina Archer could even read the charge, Halat, who was breathing heavily and asked if he could lean on the post, told her that he is not a Bahamian citizen despite the fact that he lived here for nearly two decades.

He said, "I have lived in the Bahamas for 18 years and I have gambled in the Bahamas for 18 years. My wife is French and I am an American." He said they came to the Bahamas to retire.

"I am not a Bahamian citizen," he reiterated.

Magistrate Archer told him that if what he said is true, then he should plead not guilty.

Acknowledging her reasoning, he offered a "not guilty" plea.

Prosecutor Ricardo Adderley did not object to bail and it was granted in the sum of $2,000 with one surety.

The matter was adjourned until January 30.

In other court news, three men were charged with assault with a deadly instrument yesterday morning.

The prosecution alleges that Prescott Smith, 24; Gyron Rolle, 22, and Giles Bain, 22, assaulted an officer - whose name was listed only as Police Constable Rolle - with a 1999 white Honda on Monday.

All three men pleaded not guilty to the charge. They were granted $5,000 bail each. Smith was ordered to report to the Grove Police Station and Rolle and Bain were ordered to report to the Carmichael Police Station every Saturday before 6 p.m.

The matter was adjourned to April 6, 2009 for trial.