Tralee man may enter a plea in relation to charges in connection with record meth seizure

Two men charged in connection with Ireland's largest ever seizure of crystal meth are to appear in person in Tralee District Court next Tuesday for service of the book of evidence

Businessman Nathan McDonnell, aged 44, of Ballyroe, Tralee, may enter a signed plea in relation to charges against him. File picture: Domnick Walsh 

Two men charged in connection with the largest ever seizure of methylamphetamine, or crystal meth, in the State are to appear in person in Tralee District Court next Tuesday for service of the book of evidence, before being sent forward to a higher court.

Tralee District Court has also heard how businessman Nathan McDonnell may enter a signed plea in relation to charges against him. This matter will be for mention on Monday next.

Mr McDonnell, aged 44, of Ballyroe, Tralee, faces a total of five charges, including alleged drug offences and participation in organised crime.

His solicitor Pádraig O’Connell told the court he was considering advising his client to engage in a signed plea, which would be a plea in the District Court.

Mr O’Connell has criticised the delay in the service of the book of evidence. 

His client has been in custody in Portlaoise since his arrest last February, and has been refused bail.

Mr McDonnell is accused of the possession of crystal meth worth in excess of €13,000 at Ballyseedy Garden Centre, Tralee, between October and February, and possession for sale or supply.

He is also accused of importing the drug into Ireland, at Cork Port, and facilitating a criminal organisation to commit serious offences.

At Tralee District Court on Wednesday, court presenter Sergeant Chris Manton applied to remand Mr McDonnell in custody.

Mr O’Connell said there is the prospect of a signed plea for his client. He said he needed to speak to his client privately.

Judge David Waters asked if the State was agreeable to mentioning the matter on Monday at Killarney District Court, and Sgt Manton agreed after checking with the State solicitor, Diane Reidy, who was also in court.

Mr O’Connell told Mr McDonnell, who was on video link from Portlaoise Prison, that he would speak to him privately later.

Co accused James Leen, aged 41, of Pilgrim Hill, is facing charges with regard to the crystal meth seizure and of directing the activities of a criminal organisation. 

He also appeared via video link and was remanded in continuing custody in Cork Prison until next Tuesday when he will be served with the book of evidence in person at Tralee District Court. He is represented by solicitor Patrick Mann.