A man appeared in Killarney District Court yesterday charged with growing hundreds of cannabis plants in a remote valley between Killarney and Kenmare in Co Kerry.

Donal McCarthy (66), Incheens, Derrycunnihy, was also charged with possession of drugs, including LSD, with a value of €13,000 or more for sale or supply on July 29th, 2010, growing 370 cannabis plants, possessing 189g of cannabis herb and 17g of cannabis resin, and with possessing 64 LSD tablets, all for sale or supply.

His solicitor, Pádraig O’Connell, said Mr McCarthy had “no gainful income” and was applying for free legal aid.

Insp Martin McCarthy said he was seeking an adjournment for preparation of the book of evidence. Judge Olann Kelleher adjourned the matter to September 6th.