Courts / Clare / Report
'Peace activists' refused to accept danger to Shannon flights, witness tells trial
Summary
Two peace activists, Colm Roddy, 78, and Dave Donnellan, 60, were tried in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for criminal damage to the perimeter fence and runway at Shannon Airport on 5 May 2016. They pleaded not guilty. The court heard that Detective Sergeant Con Ryan, now retired, met the men in the terminal after they were brought there by airport police. He reported that Roddy spoke most of the time, complaining about American actions in the Middle East and Syria, and that the pair had entered the airfield by lifting the wire and passing under a gate. Ryan tried to explain the danger of animals or objects on the runway potentially threatening inbound flights, but the men refused to accept these concerns and returned to their comments about US bombings. Roddy told Gardaí that he had a lawful excuse and was trying to prevent a greater illegality at Shannon. The trial continues before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Peace activists' refused to accept danger to Shannon flights, witness tells trial. Charges or matters: criminal damage of the perimeter fence and runway at Shannon Airport in Co Clare on May 5, 2016. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- May 5, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2020-10-15 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: criminal damage of the perimeter fence and runway at Shannon Airport in Co Clare on May 5, 2016 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Defendant
Charges: criminal damage of the perimeter fence and runway at Shannon Airport in Co Clare on May 5, 2016 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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