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Home | Friday 7th August 2009 | Issue 686

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THE GARDA THEY COME

A recent spate of court cases stemming from protests at the Rossport Solidarity Camp (See SchNEWS 683) has seen mixed results for Shell to Sea activists. Iollain O’Mongain, Eoin O’Leidhin and Niall Harnett all had Section 6 ‘breach of the peace’ charges dismissed, while the Section 11 trespassing case against Eoin Lawless was also dismissed due to lack of evidence.

Harnett and Lawless however, were convicted on other charges. Along with another activist, Maura Harrington - who has already done two stints in Mountjoy Prison this year for actions against Shell (SchNEWS 668) - they were all convicted under Section 8 public order charges: failure to obey the directions of a Garda. Harnett and Harrington both received four month sentences – in Harrington’s case after refusing to sign a ‘good behaviour bond’ which would have prevented her from taking part in further protests. (The ironically named) Lawless was also offered the chance to sign a bond and reluctantly accepted in order to avoid a jail term.

While Harrington is currently out on bail pending appeal, Harnett is currently in Castlerea prison in County Rosscommon; letters are much appreciated. His address is: Niall Harnett, Castlerae Prison, Harristown, Castlerae, Co. Rosscommon. If you cannot send post, please sent messages of support to rossportsolidaritycamp@gmail.com

* See also www.corribsos.com



 

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