Woman accused of causing criminal damage to Cork aerospace building sent forward for trial

Co-accused man to return to Cork District Court on October 6 for service of a book of evidence as his case is impacted by the solicitors' dispute

The cases relate to an alleged incident at Collins Aerospace in Cork.

A book of evidence was served on Tuesday on a 27-year-old woman arising out of the investigation of damage to a company premises in Cork following a Palestine-related protest.

A co-accused man will have to return to Cork District Court on October 6 for service of a book of evidence in his case, as the issue of his legal representation was caught up in the dispute over the free legal aid scheme.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, represented Kellie McConnell and said he was not on free legal aid in respect of that so her case was processed and sent forward to the circuit court. 

Myles Murphy is represented by the same solicitor but because he is on free legal aid, Mr Buttimer said he was not in a position to appear for him. 

Judge Waters told Mr Murphy he should take legal advice on the issue of whether he would sign a plea of guilty and on matters related to the alibi warning. It is not anticipated the book of evidence will be served until the judge is satisfied the accused has received this advice.

Their cases relate to an alleged incident at Collins Aerospace in Cork, and bail conditions on both defendants require them to have no contact with the premises or staff, and not to comment publicly, including by social media, on any aspect of the case.

27-year-old Kellie McConnell, of Toner House, Sidmonton Place, Bray, Co Wicklow, and 30-year-old Myles Murphy, of Ravenswood, Carrigaline, Co Cork, are both charged with committing an offence of burglary contrary to the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001, at Collins Aerospace, Penrose Wharf, Penrose Quay, Cork, on Monday October 13, 2025. 

The particulars of the charge state that having entered a building as trespassers, they committed an arrestable offence, to wit criminal damage therein.

Detective Sergeant Chris Cahill served the book of evidence of Kellie O’Connell. On the application of Sergeant Aisling Murphy, Judge David Waters sent the case against Ms McConnell forward for trial at the next sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court commencing on October 27. 

On that date, it will be a matter for the circuit court to set a date for a trial of the case by judge and jury.

Myles Murphy is required to attend Cork District Court on October 6 for service of the book of evidence.

As occurred on other court appearances in respect of these cases, about 20 supporters of Palestine attended Cork District Court on Tuesday in support of the two accused.