Four Palestine Action activists have been sentenced to lengthy custodial terms for smashing drones and other equipment at an Israeli arms manufacturer's UK factory, after a judge ruled there was a 'terrorist connection' to their actions.
Sentences Handed Down
Charlotte Head, 30, and Leona Kamio, 30, were each jailed for five years, while Fatema Rajwani, 21, received four years and eight months for criminal damage related to a 2024 break-in at the Elbit Systems UK site in Gloucestershire. Samuel Corner, 23, who was also convicted of grievous bodily harm without intent for striking Sgt Kate Evans with a sledgehammer, was sentenced to seven years and eight months. Each will serve an additional year on licence and be subject to 15 years of terrorist notification requirements.
Damage and Impact
According to a prosecution report, the raid caused £1.2 million in damage, including to 41 military assets. This included £395,056 of damage to six units in an unnamed drone system and other unmanned aerial vehicles.
Judge's Remarks
Mr Justice Johnson described the incident as a 'carefully planned and highly sophisticated attack,' noting that the defendants' motives did not reduce the seriousness of the offence. He stated that Corner showed no remorse and used 'extreme and gratuitous force against a vulnerable police officer.'
Under section 69 of the Sentencing Act, Johnson found a 'terrorist connection,' stating the offences were designed to intimidate the UK government and a section of the public, including Elbit employees and related businesses, to advance a political or ideological cause.
Defence Arguments
Rajiv Menon KC, representing Head, argued it was unprecedented for a terrorist sentencing for a non-violent offence, calling it 'chilling, creeping authoritarianism.' Mira Hammad KC, for Kamio, noted the defendants were initially arrested on suspicion of terrorism but not charged, suggesting the crown should not use the terrorist connection to enhance sentences. Tom Wainwright KC, for Corner, argued that such a finding would label suffragettes and Greenham Common activists as terrorists, adding that destroying drones that 'may have been involved in taking lives in Gaza' should be commended in a sane world.
Victim Impact
Reading her witness statement, Sgt Kate Evans described the profound impact on her physical health, mental wellbeing, confidence, career, and family life. Corner claimed he panicked after being pepper-sprayed and acted to protect a co-defendant.
Protests and Reactions
Approximately 500 protesters gathered outside Woolwich Crown Court, with placards reading 'Saving lives is not terrorism. I support Palestine Action.' Over 100 people were arrested for allegedly supporting Palestine Action, which remains proscribed under the Terrorism Act pending a Court of Appeal judgment on the ban's lawfulness.
