Cork-based firm 'repeatedly targeted' by Palestine protestors, court is told

An alleged hatchet and spray paint attack on Collins Aerospace in Cork in the early hours of a March morning saw the case against one man adjourned until November 11.

Sergeant John Dineen said that DPP directions were not yet available.

Defence solicitor Shane Collins-Daly complained of the delay in the case and asked for the adjournment to be peremptory against the State — meaning that it would be struck out next time if there were no directions from the DPP.

Judge David Waters refused that application, but said he would make it peremptory against the State on the next occasion, November 11.

Sgt Dineen outlined the allegations in the case and said: “Collins Aerospace has been repeatedly targeted by persons protesting the ongoing conflict in Palestine.”

He added that during the alleged incident in March, €8,000 worth of damage was done.

Luke Myers, aged 31, of Maple Rd, Ard Na Greine, Milltown, Co Kerry, was charged 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.

Sgt Dineen said: “On March 30 at 4.20am, gardaí were on patrol at Ship St in 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.”