Courts / Kerry / Report
Legal aid granted for €32m criminal organisation accused, despite State's objections
Summary
Judges at the Special Criminal Court granted legal aid to James Leen, a 41‑year‑old from Listowel, who is accused of importing over €30 million worth of crystal meth. Leen filed a statement of means claiming zero income and zero assets, but the Director of Public Prosecutions, John Berry SC, presented evidence that Leen owns a property and has bank accounts, indicating a lifestyle inconsistent with his claim. Berry asked the court to consider this evidence before deciding on legal aid. Morgan Shelley BL argued that the money involved is alleged proceeds of crime and cannot be used to pay lawyers. Justice Kerida Naidoo noted that the State could address any special circumstances through other means and, finding no evidence that Leen could fund his own trial, approved legal aid.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Legal aid granted for €32m criminal organisation accused, despite State's objections. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial
When:
- February 7, 2023 Incident
- February 16 Incident
- October 16, 2023 Incident
- October 27, 2023 Incident
- February 12, 2024 Incident
- 2024-12-09 Publication
Why: There is, he said, no suggestion that Mr Leen, who remains in custody, would be able to fund his own trial and therefore the court was satisfied to grant legal aid. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Places mentioned
Topics
Related court reports
- Mobile evidence points to innocence of Ballyseedy meth haul accused, court told
- 'Highly naïve' money mule who self-reported to gardai avoids jail
- Unsuccesful Dail candidate too late to challenge election result
- Failed GE candidate wants result in Kerry set aside over alleged 'torn out' ballots
- Care worker who had job terminated after saying she planned to quit wins €6k for unfair dismissal
- Ballyseedy CEO gets 12 years as court finds he was 'committed to and invested in' €32m drugs venture linked to Sinaloa Cartel
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request