Protesters to continue fight despite jail terms

ROSSPORT protesters last night vowed to continue their fight against the Corrib gas pipe line despite three of their members being awarded three-month jail sentences.

The three Mayo men were convicted of assaulting a Garda sergeant at a violent protest against the construction of the Bellanaboy gas terminal on October 12, 2006.

Each of the men received a three-month prison sentence and were ordered to pay a €500 fine for their part in the riot.

The men are: Patrick O’Donnell, aged 49, of Porturlin Shore, Ballina; his son, Johnathan O’Donnell, aged 21; and Enda Carey, aged 21, also of Porturlin, Ballina. They were all convicted of assaulting Sergeant Donal Glennon on that date.

Judge Mary Devins said the three accused had charged the Garda sergeant and caused him to fall into a ditch. Sgt Glennon had a thumb broken in the incident.

The judge accepted the men did not intend to cause the garda harm, but they had intended the assault and they were reckless about the affect their actions would have.

Last night Shell-to-Sea spokesman John Monaghan said the sentencing came as a surprise to the campaigners.

“It had been up for mention a few times before and we thought it was just going to be put back again today.

“We are all disappointed by the outcome, it would be a concern for everyone involved that the actions of the gardaí have now been given more weight and more credence by the judgment,” he said.

Mr Monaghan, who is also facing two charges for his part in the protest, said the three convicted men are fishermen and will suffer substantial loss of earnings while they are in jail.

However, he said their imprisonment will strengthen the resolve of the campaign against the development of the Shell gas terminal in Mayo.

“To a large extent the judgments made in court are out of out hands, but if anything the peaceful and non-violent protests will be stronger. But for these men their livelihoods have been put in jeopardy,” said Mr Monaghan.

Johnathan O’Donnell, was sentenced to a further month in prison and fined a further €200 for assaulting another garda on the same date.

Patrick O’Donnell was taken into custody at the court. Johnathan O’Donnell and Enda Carey were not present when the sentence was handed down and will be taken into custody later.