Trial opens of woman accused of damaging US navy aircraft

Potential jurors in the trial of Ms Mary Kelly (52) were told yesterday they could excuse themselves if their views on the use of Shannon Airport by the US military and the war in Iraq were so strong that they could not be impartial in the trial.

At Ennis Circuit Court yesterday, the anti-war activist went on trial for causing criminal damage to a US navy aircraft at Shannon Airport on January 29th, 2003.

The mother of four has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

In response to an application from Ms Kelly - who is representing herself in the case - Judge Carroll Moran also said that people with a financial interest in Shannon Airport or a financial interest in the use of the airport by the US military should not sit on the jury.

In his direction Judge Moran was also responding to an application by counsel for the State, Mr Stephen Coughlan, that jurors with strong political views one way or the other should not serve on the jury.

Two women were excused from serving on the jury by Judge Moran after telling him that they would not be impartial in the case.

A further two jurors were excused after stating that they worked in Shannon.

After 45 minutes, a jury of eight men and four women was empanelled.

Mr Coughlan opened the case for the State by stating that it would be alleged that Ms Kelly took an axe to a US aircraft at Shannon on January 29th, 2003.

He said: "It is not a case of the Irish Government, the US government or the Garda bringing the case against Ms Kelly; it is the people of Ireland bringing the case against her."

Mr Coughlan told the jury: "You must only judge the facts of the case on what you hear in the witness box."

On Ms Kelly representing herself in the case, Mr Coughlan said: "It is unusual as it is uncommon, but you mustn't take Ms Kelly representing herself into account as it is open to anyone before a court to defend him or herself."

Ms Kelly was accompanied at Ennis courthouse for the trial by a small group of supporters.

They included former assistant secretary to the UN, Mr Denis Halliday, who is due to testify on Ms Kelly's behalf.

The trial continues today when direct evidence from State witnesses is to begin.