A security guard was whipped and sprayed with a fire extinguisher during a meticulously organised raid on an Israeli-linked weapons factory in Bristol, a court has heard.
Violent Dawn Raid on Defence Factory
Woolwich Crown Court was told that six activists from the group Palestine Action, wearing distinctive red jumpsuits, stormed the Elbit Systems factory in the early hours of August 6 last year. The defendants, identified as Charlotte Head, 29, Samuel Corner, 23, Leona Kamio, 30, Fatema Rajwani, 21, Zoe Rogers, 22, and Jordan Devlin, 31, are accused of being armed and threatening during the incident.
Security guard Angelo Volante gave evidence, describing how the group advanced using pyrotechnics and fireworks. He stated that Charlotte Head whipped him on his right side during the struggle, a claim her lawyer Rajiv Menon KC denied. Mr Volante also testified that he was sprayed with a fire extinguisher by the protesters.
Security Staff and Police Officer Assaulted
Fellow security guard Patrick Luke told the court that a woman swung a sledgehammer quite aggressively and with a lot of force towards his chest area, which he managed to parry away. The court also heard that Samuel Corner allegedly struck Police Sergeant Kate Evans twice on the back with a sledgehammer, causing her to fall and resulting in back injuries.
Footage shown to jurors allegedly shows Zoe Rogers swinging a sledgehammer towards Mr Volante. While her lawyer suggested it made no contact, Mr Volante asserted it brushed his hand. During the confrontation, Mr Volante was heard warning the protesters about the serious consequences if they continued.
Bizarre Star Wars Reference in Court
In a peculiar moment during cross-examination, Mr Volante recalled that defendant Jordan Devlin made a Star Wars reference, casting the security guards as the empire and the activists as the rebels.
Mr Volante confirmed he took possession of a sledgehammer during the incident but denied striking anyone with it, stating his intention was to contain the situation and prevent further violence or criminal damage. He also confirmed confiscating an angle grinder during the events.
All six defendants were arrested at the factory on the day of the incident. They now face charges including aggravated burglary, criminal damage, and violent disorder. Samuel Corner has additionally denied causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Police Sergeant Evans. The trial continues.
