'Highly unlikely' book of evidence will be ready in two weeks for Kerry crystal meth case

Nathan McDonnell's appeal against a High Court refusal of his bail application will be in court next week for directions

Nathan McDonnell (left) and James Leen (right) are both charged with possession methylamphetamine, with a market value of €13,000 or more, for sale or supply in contravention of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and contrary to section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Acts.

The book of evidence in the case of two men charged with the biggest ever seizure of crystal meth in the State is still not ready, a court was told on Wednesday morning. 

And in the case of at least one of the accused men, it is ‘highly unlikely’ that the evidence will be ready in a further two weeks, the court was told.

Nathan McDonnell (43) of Ballyroe, Tralee, is charged that between October 27, 2023, and February 12, 2024, at Ballyseedy Garden Centre, Tralee, Co Kerry, he had in his possession methylamphetamine, with a market value of €13,000 or more, for sale or supply in contravention of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and contrary to section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Acts.

James Leen (41) of Pilgrim Hill, Kilmorna, Listowel, Co Kerry, is charged with the same offence. Mr Leen is further charged that on October 16, 2023, at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, he did import methylamphetamine with a value of €13,000 or more contrary to section 15 B of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

The men first appeared before a special sitting of Tralee District Court on February 23 last and have been remanded in custody since, appearing via video link at regular intervals.

James Leen appeared again via video link from Cork Prison at the weekly sitting of Tralee District Court, on Wednesday. Mr Leen confirmed his name and said that he could see and hear the court.

The case was before the court for the book of evidence, Sergeant Chris Manton for the State, told judge Mark O’Connell. A further remand for two weeks, to April 24, was being sought, Sergeant Manton said.

Pat Mann, solicitor for Mr Leen said he was agreeing to the remand. A bail application was taking place in the High Court "even as we speak", the solicitor said.

Some minutes later co-accused Nathan McDonnell appeared via video link from Portlaoise Prison. He too confirmed his name and that he could see and hear the court. 

Bail had been refused in the High Court, Mr McDonnell’s solicitor Padriag O’Connell outlined to the court. The High Court refusal was before the Court of Appeal on April 19 next for directions, Mr O’Connell said.

Sergeant Manton said the application was to extend time for the book of evidence to April 24.

Judge Mark O’Connell asked if the book would be ready by then, and Sergeant Manton said it was "highly unlikely" the book would be ready by then. Mr O’Connell solicitor agreed with this statement.

Judge O’Connell has remanded both in custody to appear via video link at Tralee District Court on April 24 next.