"I was court-martialled in my absence, and sentenced to death in my absence, so I said they could shoot me in my absence"

In this quote, Brendan Behan is revealing his aggravation and defiance towards the military justice system. He is stating that he was not even present for his own court-martial, yet he was still sentenced to death. This highlights the lack of fairness and due process in the military court. Behan's ironical remark of "shoot me in my absence" shows his neglect for the verdict and his determination to face the effects, even if he is not physically present. This quote likewise talks to the idea of being penalized for a criminal activity without being given the chance to defend oneself, which goes against the principles of justice.