Slán Abhaile Raytheon

Raytheon Protestors to Stand Trail

Yesterday at the Court House in Derry city centre, five men and nine women elected to stand trial over an incident which followed an anti-war protest and occupation at the city's Raytheon plant that occurred on January 12 earlier this year.

Supporters of the Anti Raytheon activists gathered outside prior to the court appearance to hold a short solidarity picket in support of their actions.

All 14 protesters were to hear an array of charges against them during an anti-war protest outside the Raytheon plant at the Ulster Science and Technology Plant.

They are: Kieran Gallagher, 43, who is charged with impersonating a police officer; James King, 67, is charged with criminal damage to a wall of the Raytheon building and possessing a spray can with intent to do damage; Bernard Brian McFadden, 55 and John McMonagle, 65, face a charge of obstructing police, and Rurai McDermott 25, is charged with assaulting, resisting and obstructing police.

Seven of the women are charged with burglary with intent to damage property. They are: Roisin Barton, 60, Roisin Bryce, 41, Goretti Horgan, 54, Diana King, 64, Sharon Meenan, 34, Helen Reynolds, 51, and Elizabeth Doherty 52.

Jackie McKenna, 51, is charged with burglary with intent to cause damage, criminal damage and attempted arson, and Julia Tor Rojo, 34, is charged with burglary with intent to cause damage, criminal damage and assault.

All fourteen activists spoke once during the hearing only to confirm their names and to confirm they wished to be dealt with by a higher court.

It was also noted that a prosecutor then asked the District Judge for an 8 week adjournment to compile preliminary inquiry papers on the case itself.

All activists are now said to appear in court again on November 16. Messages of support to the women can be sent to:

resistderry@aol.com