A Hamiltonsbawn man who is accused of permitting the production of cannabis will face Crown Court proceedings next month.
The 34-year-old appeared at Armagh Magistrates’ Court sitting at Newry on Tuesday, for the purposes of a preliminary enquiry (PE), the legal process during which a case is referred to the higher court.
Stephen Errol Conn, of Main Street, is charged with permitting the production of Class B drugs on premises and dishonestly using electricity.
As these charges were read, it was heard that both are alleged to have occurred on April 25, 2019.
Conn is accused of whilst being the occupier or being concerned in the management of premises on Main Street, Hamiltonsbawn, knowingly permitting the production of cannabis.
The defendant is also alleged to have dishonestly used a quantity of electricity at the same address.
Appearing via videolink from his solicitor’s office, Conn made no objection to the holding of a preliminary enquiry.
Prosecution submitted that based on the papers before the court there was a prima facie case to answer.
Defence barrister Damien Halloran made no contrary submissions.
Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer said that he was satisfied there was a prima facie case to answer.
The defendant was released to appear before Newry Crown Court on February 9 for arraignment.
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