Elderly man convicted of drug possession after deception attempt

By Breaking Belize News Staff: Emory Mortis, a 59-year-old Pelican Street resident, found himself convicted of drug possession after attempting to deceive the court with two different names. Mortis, also known as “Anthony Emory Hope,” pleaded guilty to possessing 0.23 grams of crack cocaine, marking his sixth drug-related conviction.

During court proceedings, Mortis initially denied using the name “Anthony Emory Hope” but later admitted to it, claiming memory loss. Despite pleading for leniency due to arthritis and financial hardship, Mortis’s history of six prior drug convictions and a theft led to a different outcome.

Chief Magistrate Jayani Wegodapola sentenced Mortis to three months imprisonment, citing his lack of rehabilitation and failure to pay previous fines. The court noted Mortis’s attempt to discard drug-related evidence during a police encounter on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, resulting in his arrest.

Mortis’s previous conviction in March 2023 resulted in a non-custodial sentence with a fine, which he failed to pay. This history, coupled with his recent offense, led to the decision for imprisonment. Despite his age, the court believes Mortis can still be rehabilitated, emphasizing the importance of compliance with court orders and the law.

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