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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| War crimes defence over firm raid | War crimes defence over firm raid |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| The Londonderry offices of US defence company Raytheon Systems were stormed by protesters to prevent war crimes, a court has heard. | The Londonderry offices of US defence company Raytheon Systems were stormed by protesters to prevent war crimes, a court has heard. |
| Six men, including journalist Eamonn McCann, deny charges of affray and three counts of criminal damage. | |
| They admit causing £20,000 damage in August 2006 but a defence lawyer said their motives were the key issue. | They admit causing £20,000 damage in August 2006 but a defence lawyer said their motives were the key issue. |
| A Crown lawyer said the men had a right to legitimate protest, but had "engaged in an orgy of wanton destruction". | A Crown lawyer said the men had a right to legitimate protest, but had "engaged in an orgy of wanton destruction". |
| Belfast Crown Court was told the incident happened during a protest outside Raytheon's premises when a group of about 10 people forced their way into the building, gaining entrance by smashing through a glass door. | |
| The Crown lawyer said the men ordered staff out and barricaded themselves inside after which computers, files and other equipment were seen being thrown from the building. | |
| The court heard police had to storm the offices to end the protest after attempts at mediation failed. | |
| He said the men could not hide behind their right to protest at what they perceived Raytheon were engaged in. | |
| 'Crimes against humanity' | |
| However, Mr McCann's London-based barrister said his client's motives were what was at issue. | However, Mr McCann's London-based barrister said his client's motives were what was at issue. |
| He asked the jury to consider whether his conduct that day was an act or protest and vandalism, "or was it to prevent a crime being committed?" | He asked the jury to consider whether his conduct that day was an act or protest and vandalism, "or was it to prevent a crime being committed?" |
| "Was his conduct designed to impede, obstruct, prevent the commission by Raytheon of war crimes?" he added. | "Was his conduct designed to impede, obstruct, prevent the commission by Raytheon of war crimes?" he added. |
| The barrister claimed Mr McCann believed that Raytheon were aiding and abetting "crimes against humanity" by the Israeli defence forces in the Lebanon. | The barrister claimed Mr McCann believed that Raytheon were aiding and abetting "crimes against humanity" by the Israeli defence forces in the Lebanon. |
| Also on trial are Derry men James Anthony Kelly, 47, of Rathkeele Way, Eamon O'Donnell, 53, of Campion Court, Colm Donal Sarto Bryce, 42, of Westland Avenue, Sean Heaton, 35, of Circular Road and Kieran Vincent Gallagher, 42, of Craft Village. | |
| Mr McCann and Mr Gallagher also deny stealing computer discs from the company. | |
| The case continues. | The case continues. |