Man charged following spray paint and hatchet protest attack on Cork Collins Aerospace premises

An early-morning hatchet and spray paint attack on Collins Aerospace in Cork resulted in one man being charged and replying: “These actions were an act of protest in order to prevent loss of life as a result of the actions of Collins Aerospace.”

Judge Mary Dorgan noted in dealing with the case yesterday that there was a video of an alleged incident at this location circulating on social media.

Garda John Kerins charged 30-year-old Luke Myers of Maple Rd, Ard Na Gréine, Milltown, Co Kerry, with causing damage to the premises at Penrose Wharf in Cork on March 30 and being in possession of a hatchet nearby at Ship St, Cork.

Garda John Kerins objected to bail and outlined the background to the alleged incident.

“On March 30 at 4.20am, gardaí were on patrol at Ship St, Cork, when three persons were observed causing damage to a property within Penrose Wharf.

“The external windows, window frames, and doors to the property had been damaged with spray paint as well as having been hacked with hatchets.

“The three males subsequently attempted to flee on pedal cycles.

“Gardaí managed to apprehend one of the suspects, who was identified as Luke Myers.

“He was subsequently arrested and detained at Gurranabraher Garda Station.

“On arrest, Luke Myers was found to be in possession of a hatchet and a can of red spray paint.

“Further enquiries carried out by gardaí confirmed that the property damaged was that of Collins Aerospace, an organisation which has been repeatedly targeted in the past number of months by persons protesting the ongoing conflict in Palestine.

“The current quote for the damage, which is not yet confirmed, is €8,000.

“A complete quote for the damage is currently awaited,” Garda Kerins testified.

Donal Daly, defence solicitor, said the accused man was working full time in Kerry, had no previous convictions, and the only time he ever appeared in a courthouse was for jury duty.

Bail conditions

He asked Garda Kerins if bail conditions and undertakings to stay out of Cork would alleviate prosecution concerns. Garda Kerins said that they would alleviate concerns.

Mr Daly said the accused had not been threatening or discourteous to gardaí in his dealings with them.

Garda Kerins agreed with this.

Judge Mary Dorgan said: “It is very, very import that law and order in a democracy has to be maintained … This is a very serious matter. I would be concerned about matters on social media.

“I would want him not to engage in social media activities, and not to associate with the two other individuals who were there on the night, and undertake not to take part in any parade, and undertake not to damage any building.”

On those undertakings and related bail conditions, Judge Dorgan granted bail and adjourned the case until May 25. The accused must also stay out of Cork city and county, except for court appearances.

The charges against the 30-year-old state that he did, without lawful excuse, damage property, namely windows, window frames, and doors while using a hatchet at Collins Aerospace, Penrose Wharf, Penrose Quay, contrary to the Criminal Damage Act and that on Ship St, Cork, he had a hatchet, contrary to the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act.