Nine anti-war protesters who occupied the Derry offices of US missile company Raytheon in August 2006 are due to go on trial in the city's Crown Court this morning charged with aggravated burglary and causing an affray.
However, it is understood the start of the trial may be delayed pending a series of applications.
Eight of the nine, journalist Eamon McCann (63), Westland Avenue; Seán Heaton (34), Circular Road; Michael Gallagher (27), Beechwood Avenue; Eamon O'Donnell, Campion Court; Colm Bryce (40), Westland Avenue; Patrick McDaid (36), Marlborough Street; Kieran Gallagher (40), the Craft Village; and Gary Donnelly (45), Kildrum Gardens were granted bail shortly after the incident.
The ninth, Eamonn "Dicey" O'Donnell was also granted bail two days later. They have denied causing an affray and causing criminal damage to a car on August 9th of last year.
The case has already been subject to a series of delays concerning the venue of the trial, over the nature of the charges and over questions of ownership of the property which was damaged.
The firm has always denied direct or indirect involvement in the arms industry, saying its Derry plant is used for research. It has refused to comment on the forced entry and damage caused.
The case is expected to last between four and six weeks.