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Activists alleged to have broke onto Shannon runway are acquitted of criminal damage
Summary
Two peace activists, Colm Roddy (78) and Dave Donnellan (60), were charged with unlawful criminal damage after allegedly cutting through the perimeter fence of Shannon Airport, walking onto the runway for about 45 minutes, and spray‑painting red crucifixes on the runway. They claimed their actions were a protest against the use of the airport by US military aircraft, arguing that such presence violated Irish neutrality and made the airport a legitimate target under international law. Both men pleaded not guilty. The case was heard in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court over nine days. A jury of eleven men and one woman returned unanimous not‑guilty verdicts on the two charges. Judge Karen O'Connor thanked the jurors, the defendants, and their lay legal advisors for their conduct during the trial. The trial focused on whether the defendants' belief that their actions were justified could constitute a lawful excuse for the alleged damage.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Activists alleged to have broke onto Shannon runway are acquitted of criminal damage. Charges or matters: unlawful criminal damage. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- May 5, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2020-10-23 Publication
Why: Judge O'Connor had earlier directed the jury that the offence of criminal damage allows for a defence where an accused acted in order to protect himself or another. Defence account reported by CNI
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