Member of Air Corps before court martial in Dublin

An Air Corps commandant has been brought before a court martial on five charges of breaches of military discipline including abusive behaviour, assault and insubordination.

Comdt Niall Donohoe (52) pleaded not guilty to the charges which were put to him in the presence of a military board – the military equivalent of a jury – at McKee Barracks in Dublin on Wednesday.

The court before military judge Col Michael Campion was told the charges all related to an incident which took place at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnell, in west Dublin, on August 10th, 2007.

It was alleged that Comdt Donohoe had made a false allegation, accusing Lieut John Maloney of "persistent lying" while knowing the accusation to be false.

Insulting language

It was also alleged that he engaged in an assault, by prodding Lieut Maloney in the chest with his finger.

Comdt Donohoe was further charged with using insulting language to a superior officer calling the officer “a piece of shit or words to that effect”. Remaining charges included conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline.

Judge Campion had earlier, sitting as a summary court judge, granted legal aid to Mr Donohoe to cover a solicitor and a counsel.

Judge Campion adjourned the case and told the military panel they would be required again on Monday next, at 10.30am.