Five peace activists were last night in custody following alleged criminal damage carried out on a US navy plane at Shannon Airport early yesterday morning.
At a special sitting of Tulla District Court, Co Clare, last night, Judge Joseph Mangan remanded the five in custody to appear before Ennis District Court next Friday.
The five are charged with criminal damage to a US navy plane at Shannon Airport yesterday contrary to Section 2 of the Criminal Damage Act.
Four of the five, Ms Karen Fallon (30), Mr Damien Moran (22), Mr Ciaron O'Reilly (42) and Mr Nuin Dunlop (31) have an address at the Dublin Catholic Workers' Movement, Rialto Cottages, Dublin, while Ms Deirdre Clancy (32) has an address at Castle Avenue, Clontarf, Dublin.
Addressing the court, a solicitor for the five, Mr Joseph Noonan, said they had acted out of deep religious motivation in the spirit of non-violence.
Mr Noonan said some of the wild allegations being broadcast on the airwaves about the five had caused him and his clients great concern.
He said: "It is notable that no charge has been made relating to the wild allegations made. It is important that their innocence be respected."
The court heard earlier that when charged, Mr Moran said: "I honestly believe I had a lawful excuse to carry out an act of disarmament to protect myself and others."
Ms Clancy responded when charged and cautioned: "I do not consider myself guilty."
The court also heard that when cautioned and charged, Mr Fallon said: "I have to plead not guilty."
Mr Noonan made no application for bail.
The five were remanded in custody by Judge Mangan to appear before Ennis District Court next Friday.
