Garden centre owner granted legal aid in crystal meth case

Eoin Reynolds

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 this morning to be served with formal notice that 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 14th.

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

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 7th, 2023 and February 16th 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 16th, 2023.

He is further charged with possession of crystal meth at Ballyseedy Garden Centre in Tralee between October 27th, 2023 and February 12th, 2024 contrary to S.15A and S.3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.

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 16 October, 2023 and 16 February 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.

The offence alleged is contrary to S.72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006.