Courts / Dublin / Report
Shannon protest accused tells trial he broke law 'to serve higher purpose'
Summary
Two American octogenarians, Ken Mayers (85) and Tarak Kauff (80), are on trial in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for trespassing and criminal damage at Shannon Airport on 17 March 2019. They pleaded not guilty to causing damage to a perimeter fence, trespassing the curtilage of a building, and interfering with airport operations by entering a runway area. During the trial, Mr Kauff admitted to damaging the fence, stating he acted on moral beliefs and that the US and Irish governments had broken the law. Both defendants claimed that the Irish Government was in breach of international law by allowing US military aircraft to use Shannon, and that their actions were mandated by God and aimed at preventing greater harm. They argued that inspecting US planes was necessary to uphold Irish neutrality. The trial continues.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Shannon protest accused tells trial he broke law 'to serve higher purpose'. Charges or matters: causing criminal damage to a perimeter fence at the airport on March 17, 2019; trespassing the curtilage of a building with the intent to commit an offence or unlawfully damage property, and not guilty to interfering with the operation, safety or management of an airport, namely by entering a runway area, where they were arrested, and causing it to be closed. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- March 17, 2019 Incident
- 2022-04-27 Publication
Why: Mr Kauff said he had friends who had taken their own lives because of what they had done while in the US military. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: causing criminal damage to a perimeter fence at the airport on March 17, 2019; trespassing the curtilage of a building with the intent to commit an offence or unlawfully damage property, and not guilty to interfering with the operation, safety or management of an airport, namely by entering a runway area, where they were arrested, and causing it to be closed (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Defendant
Charges: causing criminal damage to a perimeter fence at the airport on March 17, 2019; trespassing the curtilage of a building with the intent to commit an offence or unlawfully damage property, and not guilty to interfering with the operation, safety or management of an airport, namely by entering a runway area, where they were arrested, and causing it to be closed (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Monte Alte Road
- Arnold Drive
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request