Raytheon 14 to argue their actions were justified

Fourteen people charged in connection with a protest at the arms manufacturing company  Raytheon in Derry will argue that their actions were justified Derry Crown Court was told on Monday.
The fourteen, nine women and five men face a series of charges including burglary, assault on police obstruction, criminal damage and impersonating a police officer after a protest outside the plant last January.
When they appeared at Derry Crown Court today all 14 pleaded not guilty.
The court heard that the trial is expected to last three to four weeks.
Mr. Brian McCartney QC said that the defence would be justification and that evidence from a Raytheon executive in a previous trial would form part of the defence. He said that this included the effect damage to the Raytheon plant had n the supply of weapons to the Israeli Defence forces.
A trial date was set for March 8 and the Recorder, Judge Des Marrinan said some thought would need to be given to how al 14 defendants and their counsel could be accommodated