Insp Adrian Gamble told Judge John King the Director of Public Prosecutions had opted to have the cases against both men dealt with summarily at Cork District Court.

Judge King said he would also accept jurisdiction to deal with the cases that were prosecuted under the Employment Permits Act and the Illegal Immigrants (Trafficking) Act.

Leonard Hyde, aged 62, of Four Winds, Weavers Point, Crosshaven, Co Cork, and Pat O’Mahony, aged 51, of 69 Elton Wood, Kinsale, Co Cork, each faced the same two charges.

The first charge states that on October 5, 2015, at Hugh Coveney Pier, Crosshaven, Co Cork, he did employ a named non-national in the state other than in accordance with an employment permit issued by the minister for enterprise, trade and employment, contrary to sections of the Employment Permits Act 2003.

The second charge states that on March 23, 2015, you did knowingly facilitate the entry into the state of a person whom you knew or had reasonable cause to believe was an illegal immigrant or a person who intended to seek asylum contrary to section 2 of the Illegal Immigrants (Trafficking) Act 2000.

Solicitor David Browne represented both men and applied to have the case adjourned to allow time for a copy of the prosecution statements to be sent to him.

Judge King acceded that application and adjourned the cases until November 9 at Cork District Court.

On that occasion it will be a matter for the two accused to indicate if they want to plead guilty or not guilty to the charges. If they choose to contest the cases they are likely to be further adjourned for hearing.

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