A Palestine Action activist on trial for a break-in at an Israeli defence firm's UK site has been likened to the suffragettes by her barrister. Charlotte Head, 29, is accused of taking part in a 'meticulously organised' protest at the Elbit Systems factory in Filton, near Bristol, on 6 August 2024.
Head, along with Samuel Corner, Leona Kamio, Fatema Rajwani, Zoe Rogers and Jordan Devlin, faces charges of aggravated burglary, criminal damage and violent disorder. Corner is also charged with causing grievous bodily harm to police officer Kate Evans. All deny the charges.
In closing submissions at Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday, Rajiv Menon KC described Head as a 'remarkable woman', drawing parallels with suffragettes who were once vilified. He said the suffragettes were accused of being 'a threat to the social order' and 'unladylike, feral, aggressive, violent', but are now celebrated. Menon argued that any violence on the day was unplanned and that Palestine Action's hallmark had been non-violent direct action.
Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC rejected Corner's defence that he struck Evans with a sledgehammer in self-defence after being sprayed with Pava spray. She described his actions as 'completely unreasonable, completely disproportionate'. Evans sustained a fractured spine.
The judge, Mr Justice Johnson, urged jurors to keep 'cool heads' and avoid bias or emotion. Closing submissions from other defence barristers are expected on Friday, with the jury likely to begin deliberations early next week.
