A Palestine Action activist accused of taking part in a break-in at an Israeli defence firm’s UK site has been described as a “remarkable woman” by her barrister, who likened her to the suffragettes. Charlotte Head, 29, is on trial at Woolwich Crown Court alongside five co-defendants for offences including aggravated burglary, criminal damage and violent disorder.
During closing submissions on Thursday, Head’s barrister, Rajiv Menon KC, detailed her years of activism, including work with refugees in Calais. He argued that the suffragettes were once vilified as “a threat to the social order” but are now celebrated, and that Head should be viewed similarly. Menon described Elbit Systems as a “dreadful company” complicit in killing Palestinians, and said any violence on 6 August was unplanned.
Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC rejected the defence of co-defendant Samuel Corner, who struck a police officer with a sledgehammer, calling his actions “completely disproportionate”. She reminded jurors that their views on the Middle East conflict were irrelevant to the case. The judge, Mr Justice Johnson, also urged jurors to set aside bias and emotion.
The trial continues, with further closing submissions expected on Friday before the jury is sent out to reach a verdict early next week.
