Courts / Clare / Report

Defence tells Shannon protest jury to 'be the lamp that shows freedom lives'

Date
2022-04-29

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Shannon

County
Clare

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, octogenarians Ken Mayers (85) and Tarak Kauff (80) faced six counts of trespass, criminal damage and interference with Shannon Airport's operation after cutting a hole in the fence and walking onto the airfield on 17 March 2019. Both men, former U.S. Army veterans and members of Veterans for Peace, pleaded not guilty and claimed they acted to protest U.S. military use of the airport as a staging point for Middle‑East operations. The prosecution, led by Tony McGillicuddy, argued the defendants had no lawful excuse, citing no evidence of weapons on board or a need to protect anyone, and urged a guilty verdict on all counts. Defendants' counsel, Michael Hourigan and Carol Doherty, emphasised the defendants' sincere, honourable motives and the possibility of a lawful defence under the Criminal Damage Act. The jury deliberated for two hours and twenty minutes before resuming on Tuesday.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Defence tells Shannon protest jury to 'be the lamp that shows freedom lives'. Charges or matters: trespass, criminal damage and interfering with the operation, safety or management of Shannon Airport on March 17, 2019. Procedural stage: trial

When:

March 17, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
2022-04-29 Publication

Why: In relation to the criminal damage counts, the jury was told it must consider whether, in damaging the fence, the accused men had an honestly held belief that their actions were justified in order to protect other persons. CNI source report

Case subjects

Ken Mayers

Accused

Charges: trespass, criminal damage and interfering with the operation, safety or management of Shannon Airport on March 17, 2019 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Tarak Kauff

Accused

Charges: trespass, criminal damage and interfering with the operation, safety or management of Shannon Airport on March 17, 2019 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty