US navy pilot asks judge if he is one on trial

A US navy pilot yesterday asked a judge if he was on trial after being asked by anti-war activist Ms Mary Kelly (52), if he was engaged in a crime against peace.

At Ennis Circuit Court yesterday, Cdr John Schneider of the US navy asked Judge Carroll Moran "Am I on trial here, your honour"? in response to the question from Ms Kelly.

Judge Moran said Ms Kelly's question was inadmissible as it was not relevant on the second day of the trial where Ms Kelly is denying a charge of criminal damage without lawful excuse of a US navy aircraft at Shannon Airport on January 29th, 2003.

Ms Kelly is representing herself and she told the court yesterday that by taking an axe to the aircraft, "I tried to prevent a crime taking place and a loss of life".

In evidence, the aircraft's pilot, Cdr John Schneider told the court that the aircraft was en route from Fort Worth in Texas to a US logistics base in Sicily. Cdr Schneider said that the plane's cargo included spare parts for the aircraft and a number of spare tyres to keep the plane in flying condition. The plane's cargo was inspected by Irish authorities on the morning of the incident and he changed into his civilian clothes earlier that morning before disembarking in order to comply with the requirements of the Irish Government he said.

He said that as a result of the damage to the aircraft, it was unsafe to fly. His colleague, Lieut Cdr Kurt Schaedal, said the cost of the damage was $1.5 million.

Cross-examining Cdr Schneider, Ms Kelly asked him had he been involved in armed conflict, did he know what a weapon of mass destruction was and where was his aircraft going after landing in Sicily.

Judge Moran interrupted to say: "These questions have no relevance to the issue in this case. I have a responsibility to keep discipline in this case and there has to be boundaries."

In response, Ms Kelly said: "They are very relevant to my case as I acted to prevent a crime that was going to be committed."

The trial continues today