An appeal by an anti-war activist against a conviction of criminal damage to a US military Hercules jet was adjourned yesterday to allow the pilot of the jet to give evidence later this year.
Last February in the District Court, Eoin Dubsky (22), Gorey, Co Wexford, received a six-month suspended jail term, was fined €1,000 and ordered to stay out of Co Clare for two years after being convicted of the criminal damage without lawful excuse of the US military aircraft at Shannon last September 4th.
Dubsky had claimed that the spray-painting of anti-war graffiti on the US Hercules aircraft was an act of disarmament and was entirely justifiable.
His appeal was due to be heard at Ennis Circuit Court next Monday.
However, in the Circuit Court yesterday, State solicitor Mr Martin Linnane applied for an adjournment due to the non-availability of a US-based State witness in the case.
The application was consented to and Judge Carroll Moran adjourned the appeal to the October sittings of the court.
Meanwhile, two anti-war activists appeared at Shannon District Court yesterday charged with criminal damage to the airport fence at Shannon and trespass contrary to the 1997 Air Navigation and Transport Act on April 18th last.
Ms Jenny Hannon (20), Blanchardstown, Dublin, and Mr Martin McGowan (43), Knocknahoar, Sligo - both members of the Catholic Worker movement - were remanded on continuing bail to reappear before the court on June 12th.