Drugs accused appear in court

A WOMAN from Kerry and two North Cork men have been remanded on bail after they were charged in connection with a €140,000 drugs seizure by gardai when they stopped two cars in North Cork at the weekend.

Kieran McCann (41) had already been charged, and remanded on bail, at a special sitting of Mallow District Court on Sunday in relation to the seizure of seven kilos of cannabis herb near Kanturk, on December 8. Mr McCann was charged with possession of cannabis herb and possession of cannabis herb for sale or supply.

Det Garda John Sheedy said Mr McCann from Kilbrin Road, Kanturk, made no reply to either charge when they were put to him after caution.

Insp Mick Corbett said gardaí were not objecting to bail once certain bail conditions met, including that he sign on three times a week at Kanturk Garda Station and abide by a 10pm to 6am curfew.

Mr McCann was then remanded on bail by Judge Marian O’Leary to appear at Mallow District Court on Tuesday when Insp Tony O’Sulliivan applied for a further remand for the DPP’s directions in the case

Judge Brian Sheridan granted the application and remanded Mr McCann on continuing bail to appear again at Mallow District Court on January 23 for the DPP’s directions. He granted an application to Mr McCann’s solicitor, Charlie O’Connor, to ease one of the bail conditions and lift the 10pm to 6am curfew from the period, December 21 to January 4.

Meanwhile, Derek O’Donovan (33) and Rosalind Barton (47), also appeared in court in relation to the seizure which followed a garda investigation with a regional focus.

Both Mr O’Donovan and Ms Barton were charged with the same offences as Mr McCann – possessing cannabis herb and possessing cannabis herb for sale or supply at Dromalour, Kanturk.

Det Garda Declan Keane said Mr O’Donovan from Inchwell Road, Kanturk, made no reply after caution to either charge. Det Garda Fergal Ashcroft said Ms Barton, a UK national with an address at Barraduff, Co Kerry, also made no reply to either charge after caution.

Insp O’Sullivan said gardaí were not objecting to bail for either Mr O’Donovan or Ms Barton, once they met a number of bail conditions including that they surrender their passports.

Gardai were also seeking for Mr O’Donovan to sign on once a week at Kanturk Garda Station and for Ms Barton to sign on once a week at Killarney Garda Station, which was acceptable to both accused.

Judge Sheridan remanded each accused on their own bond of €500 to appear again at Mallow District Court on January 23 and granted them free legal aid.