Courts / Dublin / Report
Trial of octogenarian anti-war activists reaches closing stages
Summary
The trial of Ken Mayers, 85, and Tarak Kauff, 80, two former U.S. Army veterans and anti‑war activists, is in its closing stages at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. They are charged with criminal damage to a perimeter fence at Shannon Airport on 17 March 2019, trespassing with intent to commit an offence or unlawfully damage property, and interfering with the operation, safety or management of the airport by entering a runway area and causing it to be closed. Both pleaded not guilty to all charges. In their own defence, the men admitted cutting a hole in the fence and walking onto the airport to protest the U.S. military's use of Shannon as a stop‑over for operations in the Middle East, claiming it breached Irish neutrality and that they were acting to defend international law. The prosecution case concluded on Wednesday, and the defendants gave evidence in their own defence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Trial of octogenarian anti-war activists reaches closing stages. Charges or matters: all charges against them; causing criminal damage to a perimeter fence; trespassing with the intent to commit an offence or unlawfully damage property; interfering with the operation, safety or management of an airport. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- March 17, 2019 Incident
- 2022-04-28 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: causing criminal damage to a perimeter fence; trespassing with the intent to commit an offence or unlawfully damage property; interfering with the operation, safety or management of an airport (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Defendant
Charges: causing criminal damage to a perimeter fence; trespassing with the intent to commit an offence or unlawfully damage property; interfering with the operation, safety or management of an airport (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Accused
Charges: all charges against them (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