Court Hears Details of Violent Factory Raid
A protest at an Israeli-linked weapons factory in Bristol turned violent, resulting in a police officer suffering a fractured spine after being beaten with a sledgehammer, a court has heard. Samuel Corner, 23, is alleged to have been among a group of activists from the group Palestine Action who targeted the Elbit Systems UK site in Patchway on August 5 last year.
A 'Meticulously Organised' Attack
Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC told Woolwich Crown Court that the incident was a meticulously organised operation. The plan involved activists dividing into two teams – one wearing red jumpsuits and the other in black – and using an old prison van to crash through a gate. The black team's role was to overwhelm security guards, while the red team was tasked with breaking into the buildings to cause maximum damage.
The court heard that the campaigners were armed with an array of weapons, including fireworks, an axe, a paintball gun, and sledgehammers. Security guard Nigel Shaw, who was on extra duty after a hole was found in the perimeter fence, was allegedly confronted by the group shouting "Free Palestine". He suffered a head laceration and had caps knocked from his teeth during the melee.
Police Officer Seriously Injured
The situation escalated further when police arrived on the scene. It is claimed that Samuel Corner struck Police Sergeant Kate Evans across the back with a sledgehammer while she was on the ground. PS Evans was taken to Southmead Hospital where an X-ray confirmed a fracture to her lumbar spine.
The prosecutor stated, "She suffered constant pain which severely limited her mobility and meant she was unable to return to work for three months. Since then she has suffered ongoing pain to her lower back, right hip and leg and has been confined to restricted duties."
Meanwhile, the red team allegedly used the prison van as a battering ram to breach the loading bay shutter. Once inside, they are accused of using crowbars and hammers to damage computer equipment and spraying walls with red paint from fire extinguishers.
The Defendants and Their Denials
Seven individuals now face charges in connection with the event. Samuel Corner, Charlotte Head (29), Leona Kamio (30), Fateema Rajwani (21), Zoe Rogers (22), and Jordan Devlin (31) all deny charges of aggravated burglary, criminal damage, and violent disorder. Corner additionally denies a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to PS Evans.
The court was told that evidence gathered by police suggested significant pre-planning. This included online searches by one defendant for "unisex boiler suits" and "Special kick that will break kneecap".
Mr Justice Johnson, presiding over the case, directly addressed the jury, urging them to set aside any personal views on the conflict in Gaza and to focus solely on the evidence presented. The trial continues.
