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US octogenarians go on trial accused of damage at Shannon Airport
Summary
Two American octogenarians, Ken Mayers (85) and Tarak Kauff (80), have gone on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, accused of criminal damage and trespass at Shannon Airport on March 17, 2019. Both men, residing in New Mexico and New York respectively, pleaded not guilty to three counts each: criminal damage to a perimeter fence valued at €590, trespassing with intent to commit an offence or damage property, and interfering with airport operations by entering a runway area and causing its closure. Prosecuting counsel Tony McGillicuddy BL alleged the pair, wearing 'Veterans for Peace' vests, broke through the fence using bolt cutters and walked onto a taxiway, forcing a runway closure that delayed an incoming flight. He stated the prosecution case is that both men were involved in the damage and unlawful interference. Defending counsel Michael Hourigan BL and Carol Doherty BL noted their clients admitted to making an opening in the fence and entering the airport lands but maintained they were treated respectfully. The trial is ongoing before Judge Patricia Ryan and a jury.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: US octogenarians go on trial accused of damage at Shannon Airport. Charges or matters: three counts in relation to the alleged incident; criminal damage to a perimeter fence, with a value of €590, at the airport on March 17, 2019; trespassing the curtilage of a building with the intent to commit an offence or to unlawfully damage property; interfering with the operation, safety or management of an airport, namely by entering a runway area and causing it to close; the same charges. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- March 17, 2019 Incident
- 2022-04-25 Publication
Why: "The runway had been forced to close because of their presence on the runway and that had a knock-on effect on the management of the airport," Mr McGillicuddy said. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: three counts in relation to the alleged incident; criminal damage to a perimeter fence, with a value of €590, at the airport on March 17, 2019; trespassing the curtilage of a building with the intent to commit an offence or to unlawfully damage property; interfering with the operation, safety or management of an airport, namely by entering a runway area and causing it to close (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Accused
Charges: three counts in relation to the alleged incident; criminal damage to a perimeter fence, with a value of €590, at the airport on March 17, 2019; trespassing the curtilage of a building with the intent to commit an offence or to unlawfully damage property; interfering with the operation, safety or management of an airport, namely by entering a runway area and causing it to close (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Accused
Charges: three counts in relation to the alleged incident; criminal damage to a perimeter fence, with a value of €590, at the airport on March 17, 2019; trespassing the curtilage of a building with the intent to commit an offence or to unlawfully damage property; interfering with the operation, safety or management of an airport, namely by entering a runway area and causing it to close (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Monte Alte Road
- Arnold Drive
- taken to the local garda station
Topics
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