Kerry garden centre owner charged with record crystal meth seizure granted legal aid

Nathan McDonnell and his co-accused James Leen were served with formal notice they are to be tried before the Special Criminal Court

Nathan McDonnell, left, and James Leen were remanded in custody to appear again on October 14.

A garden centre owner facing charges relating to the largest ever haul of crystal meth in the State has been granted legal aid by the Special Criminal Court.

Nathan McDonnell, 44, who is in custody, appeared briefly on Friday morning to be served with formal notice he is to be tried before the three-judge, non-jury court.

Michael Bowman SC, for Mr McDonnell, asked for legal aid to be granted and handed in a statement of means to the court. John Berry SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, said there was no objection.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding, granted legal aid and adjourned the matter to October 14.

Mr McDonnell's co-accused, James Leen, also appeared before the court on Friday morning to be formally served with notice he is to be tried before the Special Criminal Court. He was remanded in custody to October 14.

Mr Leen, 41, of Pilgrim Hill, Kilmorna, Listowel, Co Kerry faces five charges including one for directing the activities of a criminal organisation between February 7, 2023, and February 16 this year.

Mr Leen is also charged with the importation of methylamphetamine, better known as crystal meth, at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, on October 16, 2023.

He is further charged with possession of crystal meth at Ballyseedy Garden Centre in Tralee between October 27, 2023, and February 12, 2024.

Mr McDonnell, of Ballyroe, Tralee, faces five charges, including similar drugs-related charges for possession of crystal meth at Cork Port and at Ballyseedy Garden Centre.

The final charge against him alleges that between October 16, 2023, and February 16, 2024, with knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation, he participated in or contributed to activity intending or being reckless as to whether such activity could facilitate the importation, sale and supply of a controlled drug by that criminal organisation or its members.