Crystal meth haul suspect Nathan McDonnell finding jail ‘extremely difficult’, court told

The 43-year old was denied bail in the High Court last month and is now appealing that decision to the Court of Appeal on Thursday next, May 16.

He had also been refused bail at the District Court in Tralee when the case first came before the court.

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Mr McDonnell again appeared before Tralee District Court via video-link yesterday. He is currently in custody in Portlaoise Prison.

During the brief hearing Sgt Chris Manton said the book of evidence was still not ready and he sought a further adjournment for two weeks.

Mr McDonnell’s solicitor Padraig O’Connell told the court that Mr McDonnell has been refused bail in the High Court and that appeal was scheduled for May 16.

He said that his client is ‘anxious’ that the case be progressed.

"He has no previous convictions and he is incarcerated and is finding it extremely difficult. His young family is waiting for his return,” said Mr O’Connell.

Judge Philip O’Leary said he noted the comments of Mr O’Connell and adjourned the case to May 22.

His co-accused James Leen also appeared before Tralee District Court yesterday. He is custody in Cork prison. He was also refused bail in the High Court.

He is represented by solicitor Pat Mann. The court heard this case should also be dealt with urgently as Mr Leen is only in custody on one matter. Judge O’Leary said he would note the urgency of the matter.

Mr Leen’s case was also adjourned for the book of evidence and he will also appear before Tralee District Court again on May 22. He too is appealing his case to the Court of Appeal but no date has yet been set for this hearing.

Mr McDonnell and Mr Leen were both arrested following the seizure of more than 500kg worth of methylamphetamine or Crystal Meth in a container at Cork port in February.

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It is alleged the drugs were hidden in a recycling machine that had been imported from Mexico and stored at Mr McDonnell’s garden centre before being transported to Cork, destined for export to Australia.

Mr McDonnell, from Ballyroe, Tralee, and Mr Leen from Pilgrim Hill, Kilmorna, Listowel, Co Kerry are both charged with possession of more than €13,000 worth of the drug for sale or supply.

The offence is alleged to have happened at Ballyseedy Garden Centre, Tralee, between October 27 last year and February 12 this year.

Mr Leen is also charged with importation of the drug, valued at more than €13,000, at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, on October 16 last year.