Two Englishmen appear in court in connection with west Cork cocaine haul

THERE was a very strong security presence outside a Co Cork courthouse yesterday as two Englishmen in their 40s appeared on charges relating to the seizure of €107 million worth of cocaine.

A cortege of garda cars escorted the men to Skibbereen District Court, where they appeared in front of Judge James McNulty.

Joseph Daly, aged 40, from 9 Carisbrook Avenue, Bexley, Kent, was charged with possession of cocaine for sale of supply on July 2 last at Dunlough Bay, Mizen, Goleen.

Sergeant Gerry Prenderville told the court that, after he cautioned Daly, the Englishman made no reply.

Sitting just a few feet from Daly was Martin Wanden, aged 44, who had been taken to Bantry Hospital after being discovered with injuries.

He was arrested on his release from hospital, brought to Bantry Garda Station and charged with possession of cocaine for sale or supply.

Detective Garda Daniel O’Shea said that when he charged Wanden at Bantry Garda Station he also made no reply. Wanden, of no fixed abode, is also known as Anthony Linden.

State solicitor for west Cork, Malachy Boohig, requested that Judge McNulty remand the men in custody.

At this point, the judge asked the defence solicitor, Gerald Hyland, if he was seeking bail.

Mr Hyland, from the Belfast-based firm of Madden and Finnucane, said at this stage he wouldn’t be.

Judge McNulty remanded the two men to reappear at Clonakilty District Court at 11am next Tuesday.

He asked Mr Hyland if it was likely at that stage that he would make a bail application. The solicitor said he was unable to say.

After three-quarters of an hour, the two Englishmen emerged from the court to find a large crowd of curious onlookers outside.

They were put into a garda cars and escorted to Cork Prison. Another man is still being detained by gardaí in relation to the same seizure.