'Extensive' Garda file on pro-Palestinian activists charged with damage of US military plane, court hears

Gordon Deegan

The Garda file concerning three 23-year-old pro-Palestinian activists charged with the criminal damage of a US military plane at Shannon airport last month “is quite extensive,” a court heard on Wednesday.

Det Sgt Kevin O’Hagan made his comment when asking Judge Alec Gabbett to give “as long as possible” an adjournment in the case to allow gardaí to prepare a file.

In the case, the three are facing charges from an incident at the airport on Saturday, November 22nd, where members of the Defence Forces tasked to protect a US military aircraft at Shannon airport drew their weapons briefly in response to an alleged airport incursion by the three.

In the case, Kaspar Aiden Cantwell Strattra (23) of Manorlands Crescent, Trim, Co Meath, social science student, Emily Cathcart (23) of North View, Knocknagin Rd, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, and Conan Kavanagh (23) of New Cabra Rd, Dublin 7, and St Joseph’s Drive, Montenotte, Cork, are charged with the criminal damage of the main body of a Boeing 737-700 belonging to the US Navy Reserve at Shannon airport on November 22nd.

The three are also charged with the criminal damage of a Shannon airport airside vehicle barrier and with trespass at the main apron and taxi-way 11 at Shannon airport on the same date.

One of the three accused, Mr Cantwell Strattra, replied after charge: “The use of Shannon airport by the US military breaks Irish neutrality. The US is a belligerent power complicit in the genocide of Palestinians.”

Sgt Frank O’Grady told the court today that DPP directions are still outstanding.

At a special late night sitting of Ennis District Court on November 23rd, Det Garda Colm Moriarty told the court that a US military aircraft parked overnight allegedly sustained criminal damage when spray painted with green paint from a modified fire extinguisher on top of a modified van in a taxi area on the airfield on Saturday morning.

Det Garda Moriarty said that the Defence Forces personnel near the US navy aircraft “had their weapons drawn briefly until the situation was under control”

He said that the airport had to be shut down for 30 minutes and one incoming aircraft was placed in a holding pattern before the airport could re-open.

The three secured bail after their parents posted independent sureties to the court and Judge Gabbett commented on Wednesday "nobody wants to lose their money in this".

On Wednesday, the three accused appeared in court with a number of supporters. The court was told that Mr Kavanagh is currently living in a squat in Dublin.

Judge Gabbett relaxed the signing on conditions for Kaspar Aiden Cantwell Strattra from five times per week to three times per week and for Ms Cathcart from three times per week to twice per week.

He said: “I hope this is not a case where there will be an application to water down bail terms every time we come to court.”

Judge Gabbett also relaxed a bail condition for Mr Kavanagh to allow him to go to Dublin airport for travel or work purposes as he does seasonal work there as a tour escort picking up people from the airport.

Judge Gabbett remanded all three on continuing bail to March 25th for DPP directions.