Palestine Action Activists Face Retrial Over Factory Destruction
Six Palestine Action activists are currently facing a retrial at Woolwich Crown Court in London, charged with criminal damage related to an incident at an Israeli-linked arms factory. The defendants, identified as Jordan Devlin, Charlotte Head, Samuel Corner, Leona Kamio, Katema Rajwani, and Zoe Rogers, are accused of using sledgehammers and crowbars to cause extensive damage to property owned by Elbit Systems in Filton, near Bristol, on 6 August last year.
Prosecution Details Alleged Attack on Elbit Factory
Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC outlined the case, stating that the activists entered the factory with the intent to smash as much property as possible before police intervention. According to Heer, the defendants employed 7lb sledgehammers and crowbars to destroy drones and computers, causing significant damage. The court heard that the attack was part of a coordinated effort, with a van crashing through the factory fence at 3.30am, followed by activists in black jumpsuits creating a diversion with smoke grenades and fireworks.
Once inside, the group, wearing red jumpsuits, not only used tools to wreck equipment but also sprayed walls and floors with red paint from fire extinguishers. Heer emphasized that the activists aimed to "shut Elbit down" as their primary objective, based on planning documents found on an encrypted website. These documents reportedly encouraged persistence even if security guards intervened, urging the group to act "louder, angrier and more determined."
Assault Charges and Police Injuries Highlighted
In addition to criminal damage, Samuel Corner faces a separate charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The prosecution alleges that when police arrived, Corner used his sledgehammer to assault officers, specifically striking Sergeant Kate Evans twice in the back while she was attempting to arrest another defendant. Evans suffered a fractured spine, was unable to work for three months, and continues to experience pain, now confined to restricted duties.
The court was told that during the confrontation, PC Aaron Buxton was also involved in a struggle with Devlin, ending up on the floor. All defendants deny the charges, and the trial is ongoing, with further evidence expected to be presented in the coming days.
