The anti-war activist Ms Mary Kelly (52) charged with criminal damage of US plane told a jury today she damaged the plane to protect life.
On day three of the trial Ms Kelly said: "I was going alone to damage the plane and I knew it would have consequences, but the reason I did it was to protect life and to prevent crime. I have a strong sense of justice, what is right and wrong and I was pushed into taking action".
Ms Kelly said: "I had to do something to protect the life of the Iraqi people and I believe that I acted as a responsible citizen."
The jury of eight men and four women were told that the damage to the plane cost $1.5 million.
Ms Kelly who is representing herself denies the charge of causing criminal damage without lawful excuse of the 737 aircraft at Shannon airport on the 29th of January 2003.
The trial continues at Ennis Circuit Court on Tuesday before Judge Carroll Moran.