Courts / Clare / Report
Peace activist says airport trespass was necessary to stop 'irreparable evil'
Summary
Dan Dowling, a 41‑year‑old civil servant, and retired soldier Edward Horgan, 80, were tried in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for trespassing on a taxiway at Shannon Airport on 25 April 2017. They were found not guilty of criminal damage after writing "Danger, danger, don't fly" on American naval planes, but were convicted of trespass. Judge Martina Baxter ordered each to pay €5,000 to a women's refuge in County Clare. Dowling has appealed his conviction, arguing that his actions were necessary to prevent the transport of ammunition through Ireland and to protect others from an alleged "irreparable evil." Defence counsel Mark Lynam claimed the defence of necessity applied, while the Director of Public Prosecutions said there was insufficient evidence for such a defence. The Court of Appeal will reserve judgment.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Peace activist says airport trespass was necessary to stop 'irreparable evil'. Charges or matters: causing criminal damage to a plane and entering the curtilage of Shannon Airport as trespassers with the intention to damage property on April 25, 2017. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- April 25, 2017 Other
- 2025-05-30 Publication
Why: She said even if it had been raised, it would not have been applicable because there was insufficient evidence to ground it. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: causing criminal damage to a plane and entering the curtilage of Shannon Airport as trespassers with the intention to damage property on April 25, 2017 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Convicted Person
Charges: causing criminal damage to a plane and entering the curtilage of Shannon Airport as trespassers with the intention to damage property on April 25, 2017 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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