Rossport Five decision due next month

The President of the High Court will give his judgement next month on whether the Rossport Five should be punished for their anti-pipleine protest.

The five Mayo men have already served 94 days in jail for refusing to obey a High Court order not to interfere with the construction of the controversial Corrib gas pipeline near their homes by Shell E and P Ltd.

Brothers Philip and Vincent McGrath, Willie Corduff, Michael O Seighin and Brendan Philbin were sent to prison for contempt of court last June.

High Court President Mr Justice Joseph Finnegan said today he will give his judgement on February 13 as to what sanction if any should now be imposed on the men for disobeying the court.

The men were released from jail at the end of September after the Shell oil company applied to have the temporary injunction which restrained interference with the pipeline lifted.