Courts / Clare / Report
Peace activists spared jailed for trespassing at Shannon airport
Summary
Two peace activists, retired soldier Edward Horgan (78) and civil servant Dan Dowling (39), were found guilty of trespassing on a taxiway at Shannon Airport. They had previously been acquitted of criminal damage for marking an American naval plane. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, after a ten‑day trial, returned guilty verdicts on the summary trespass charges. Judge Martina Baxter, who praised their conduct, imposed no custodial sentence but ordered each to pay €5,000 to the Clare Haven Refuge for women within 12 months. She also required them to maintain good behaviour and keep the peace for a year. The judge highlighted their lack of prior convictions and good work histories, and noted their intention to protest peacefully. The men accepted the verdict. No further penalties were imposed.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Peace activists spared jailed for trespassing at Shannon airport. Charges or matters: entering the curtilage of Shannon Airport as trespassers, with the intention to damage property situated therein. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- April 25, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2023-01-25 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: entering the curtilage of Shannon Airport as trespassers, with the intention to damage property situated therein (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Passing sentence today, Judge Martina Baxter praised both accused for their "upstanding character, composure and dignity" at all stages during the trial. "You are upstanding people, family people; you have behaved with courtesy and dignity throughout," said Judge Baxter, wishing both men and their families well.
Defendant
Charges: entering the curtilage of Shannon Airport as trespassers, with the intention to damage property situated therein (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Passing sentence today, Judge Martina Baxter praised both accused for their "upstanding character, composure and dignity" at all stages during the trial. "You are upstanding people, family people; you have behaved with courtesy and dignity throughout," said Judge Baxter, wishing both men and their families well.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
Related court reports
- 'No hand, act or part': Osgur Breatnach's wrongful conviction for Sallins train robbery declared a miscarriage of justice
- Cage fighter convicted of Shannon murder gets hearing date for miscarriage of justice application
- Cage fighter seeks to have murder conviction declared a miscarriage of justice
- Seven operated in organised cells in conspiracy to import cocaine worth up to €42m, court hears
- Meat factory worker wins €40k after WRC told boss went to home looking for 'massage'
- Worker awarded €20k for maternity discrimination at halal meat plant
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request