Ireland Ballyseedy restaurant wound up after chief executive pleads guilty to drugs importation
Methylamphetamine was imported on 16 October 2023 at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, in what is described as the State's largest crystal meth haul. Nathan McDonnell, a 44-year-old man and chief executive of Ballyseedy Restaurants Ltd, pleaded guilty to drug importation and to participating in or contributing to a serious offence by a criminal organisation between 16 October 2023 and 12 February 2024. Reported on 4 November 2024, the plea was entered at the Special Criminal Court, where McDonnell was remanded in custody for sentencing, and the High Court wound up the company on a Revenue petition over more than €1 million owed. The latest development is that McDonnell remains in custody awaiting sentence.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Convicted4 Nov
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Nathan McDonnell, chief executive of Ballyseedy Restaurants Ltd, pleaded guilty to drug importation and facilitating an organised crime gang.
- The charges relate to the State's largest crystal meth haul, which involved methylamphetamine.
- When
- The importation of methylamphetamine took place on 16 October 2023.
- Where
- The importation took place at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork.
- The case is listed under Co Cork, but the article places the restaurant at Ballyseedy Home & Garden, Caherbreagh, Tralee, Co Kerry.
- Charges
- McDonnell pleaded guilty to participating in or contributing to a serious offence by a criminal organisation between 16 October 2023 and 12 February 2024.
- In court
- The guilty plea was entered at the Special Criminal Court and reported on 4 November 2024.
- The High Court, before Ms Justice Miriam O'Regan, wound up Ballyseedy Restaurants Ltd on a petition by Revenue.
- Sentence
- McDonnell has been remanded in custody for sentencing, and no sentence has been reported yet.
- Other details
- Ballyseedy Restaurants Ltd owed Revenue more than €1 million, including €900,000 unpaid fiduciary tax and €183,000 interest.
- A demand for payment was made on 9 July, and the debt was not paid.
- Myles Kirby was appointed liquidator of Ballyseedy Restaurants Ltd.
- The suspect is a 44-year-old man named Nathan McDonnell; his nationality is not stated in the facts or articles.
7 statements extracted from the articles
- whatNathan McDonnell pleaded guilty to drug importation and facilitating an organised crime gang in relation to the State's largest crystal meth haul. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe importation took place at Cork Port, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe importation of methylamphetamine took place on October 16th, 2023. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeMcDonnell pleaded guilty to participating in or contributing to a serious offence by a criminal organisation between October 16th 2023 and February 12th 2024. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe High Court wound up Ballyseedy Restaurants Ltd on a petition by Revenue. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceMcDonnell has been remanded in custody for sentencing. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe company owed Revenue more than €1 million. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 4 Nov2024Ballyseedy restaurant is wound up after boss pleads guilty to drugs haul
Reports the guilty plea of Nathan McDonnell at the Special Criminal Court, his remand in custody for sentencing, and the High Court winding up of Ballyseedy Restaurants Ltd over more than €1 million owed to Revenue.
convicted, Nathan McDonnell, 44, male, named, irish (judged from name)Nathan McDonnell