Palestine Action Activists to Face Retrial Following Acquittal in Factory Raid Case
Six activists from the group Palestine Action, who were recently acquitted of aggravated burglary charges, are now set to face a retrial. This development comes after a raid on an Israeli defence firm's facility near Bristol resulted in a female police officer sustaining a serious spinal injury and over £1 million worth of damage.
Injury and Damage Details from the Elbit Systems Incident
During the early hours of August 6, 2024, the activists targeted an Elbit Systems building. The incident left Sergeant Kate Evans with a fractured lumbar spine after she was struck with a sledgehammer while attempting to arrest a female protester. Sergeant Evans described believing her spine had been 'shattered' at the time, an injury that prevented her from returning to work for three months.
The raid involved activists wearing red jumpsuits and using a repurposed prison van to ram through a roll-up door, gaining access to the loading dock. Inside, they allegedly sprayed red paint and used hammers to destroy computers and drones, causing significant property damage estimated at more than £1 million.
Legal Proceedings and the Decision for Retrial
Following a 12-week trial at Woolwich Crown Court, the jury deliberated for over 36 hours before clearing all six defendants—Samuel Corner, Charlotte Head, Leona Kamio, Fatema Rajwani, Zoe Rogers, and Jordan Devlin—of aggravated burglary. Additionally, Rajwani, Rogers, and Devlin were found not guilty of violent disorder.
However, the jury failed to reach verdicts on several other charges, including grievous bodily harm against Samuel Corner and multiple counts of criminal damage against all defendants. In response, the Crown Prosecution Service announced it would seek a retrial, with a hearing scheduled for February 18 to determine the precise indictment.
A CPS spokesperson stated that prosecutors are currently evaluating the legal basis for the retrial, ensuring it aligns with established guidance. This decision follows pressure from shadow home secretary Chris Philp, who argued that a retrial was necessary given the evidence and public interest, warning that the acquittal could encourage 'mob violence' for political aims.
Political and Policing Reactions to the Verdict
The case has sparked significant political controversy. Green Party leader Zack Polanski described the jury's decision as a 'moral vindication' for the activists, suggesting that protesters opposing 'genocide' should not be criminalised. His comments, including retweeting conspiracy theories questioning the severity of Sergeant Evans' injuries, drew sharp criticism from Conservative shadow minister Neil O'Brien, who labelled them 'disgusting'.
Policing authorities have expressed concern over the implications of the verdict. Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council, emphasised that the outcome could endanger officers in future protests, praising Sergeant Evans' courage. The Police Federation also raised 'serious concerns' about operational safety for frontline officers handling demonstrations.
Defence Arguments and Activist Motivations
During the trial, defence lawyers argued that the activists intended only to damage property, not to harm individuals. They claimed the group used sledgehammers solely to destroy equipment and were unprepared for the security guards' intervention. Rajiv Menon KC, representing the defendants, stated they were 'completely out of their depth' and genuinely believed their actions would support the Palestinian cause in Gaza.
Footage presented in court showed activists shouting at security guards and wielding tools, but the defence maintained that any violence was incidental. Samuel Corner's legal team described him as a 'gentle man' who acted to protect others, disputing that he caused serious harm.
All defendants except Corner have been granted conditional bail pending the retrial, as legal preparations continue for the upcoming proceedings.
