Security tight for drugs haul appearance
Perry Wharrie, aged 47, of 60 Pryles Lane, Essex, England, was charged with possessing cocaine and possessing it with intent to sell or supply, on July 2, at Dunlough Bay, Mizen, Goleen, Co Cork. The haul is estimated by gardaí to have a net value of €107 million.
Wharrie introduced some unexpected humour when first brought into the courthouse at Dunmanway.
He was heard to ask detectives if it really was a courthouse, as he was astonished at how small it was.
The court is situated in a tiny room, within a small community hall. Judge James McNulty, who was presiding, sat not behind a proper bench, but behind a minute desk.
Gardaí and members of the legal profession have long been heard to complain about the cramped conditions there, which they say are totally unsuitable.
Sergeant Gerry Prenderville gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution. He told the court that when the charges were read out to Wharrie he replied: “No comment”.
State solicitor for west Cork Malachy Boohig asked Judge McNulty to remand Wharrie in custody to appear again at a sitting of Clonakilty District Court on July 17.
Mr Wharrie’s solicitor made no application for bail and the judge agreed to Mr Boohig’s request.
Also appearing in the court was 23-year-old Gerard Hagan. He was charged last Saturday with possessing cocaine and possessing it with intent to sell or supply at Dunlough Bay on July 2.
Mr Boohig also requested that Hagan, from 85 Hollow Croft, Liverpool, be remanded in continuing custody to reappear at Clonakilty District Court next Tuesday. Hagan’s solicitor also made no request for bail and Judge McNulty granted the request.
An even larger security operation is expected outside Clonakilty District Court next week, as all four men charged in relation to the Dunlough find will appear there at the same time.
The two others are Joseph Daly, aged 40, from 9 Carisbrook Avenue, Bexley, Kent, and Martin Wanden, aged 44, who is also English but has no fixed abode.
