A man and woman are to face Crown Court in the New Year charged with cultivating cannabis in relation to an £80,000 ‘factory’ uncovered in Lurgan.
Both defendants appeared at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday for the purposes of a preliminary enquiry (PE), the legal process during which a case is referred to the higher court.
Przemyslaw Bartosz Jakusz, 33, of no fixed abode, and Nicole Wolska, 21, of North Street in Portadown, are jointly charged with cultivating cannabis.
Meanwhile, Jakusz also faces further allegations of possession of Class B, criminal damage, dishonestly using electricity, being concerned in the supply of Class B and possession of Class B with intent to supply.
As the charges were read, it was heard that both were accused of cultivating cannabis at an address on Gilford Road, Lurgan, on July 23.
The further charges which are levelled against Jakusz only are all alleged to have occurred on the same date.
Both defendants, Jakusz appearing via videolink from Maghaberry and Wolska from her solicitor’s office, 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 counsel made no contrary submissions.
Asked if he wished to give any evidence on his behalf, Jakusz replied: “Not at this stage and I wish everybody a Merry Christmas.”
District Judge Bernie Kelly, satisfied there was a prima facie case to answer, remanded Jakusz in custody and released Wolska on continuing bail to appear at Craigavon Crown Court on February 3.
