Shannon Court Report.

Friday May 09, 2003 00:37

by Conor - Shannon Peace House

The potato two in court.

Jenny and Martin's case was adjourned to 12th June @ Shannon district court. Playwright Eamon J.Murphy was remanded in custody to Shannon district court on Thursday 15th May on a charge of breaching bail conditions. Murphy allegedly attended an anti-war demonstration at Shannon airport contrary to his bail conditions, which bar him from going within 5 miles of the airport.

Murphy, who refused to give Judge Mangan his full name after affirmation, allegedly attended the anti-war demonstration at Shannon airport on April 12th. Inspector Kennedy gave evidence that he met Eamon at Shannon airport on this day and told him to leave. The playwright denied this charge saying that he has a photograph of himself, taken at a function outside of the county, on the day in question. During the court proceedings the judge confiscated Eamon's phone for ringing and his newspaper for rustling. While under oath Mr. Murphy made the statment "the law is an ass", after which the judge remanded him to Limerick prison and he was taken from court immediately. Garda Pat Keating returned for Murphy's phone and newspaper and mimed to Inspector Kennedy behind the judge's back "he's off his head". The judge returned Murphy's phone and instructed that Eamon Murphy is to be searched on his next appearance in court in order to make sure he doesn't take his phone into court again.
Shannon Gardai are still using petty harassment to intimidate peace activists in Shannon. This reporter was approached by Seargent Con Ryan during Eamon Ryan's hearing. While trying to look at my notes, Ryan asked me what I was doing, if I was taking the notes for journalistic purposes and had I informed the judge of my intentions. I replied to none of this other than to tell him that I was here in the public interest. After Eamon's case I stood up and told the judge why I was taking the notes and that I would write a piece on indymedia. As it happens, Judge Mangan has no concern about this but Con Ryan's bluff was called and hopefully this has caught the court's attention.