Footage played to a jury at Woolwich Crown Court has revealed dramatic confrontations during a raid at an Israeli-linked weapons factory, where activists threatened security guards that "this place is not going to exist tomorrow." The incident occurred at the Elbit Systems site near Bristol on August 6, 2024, leading to criminal charges against six individuals from the group Palestine Action.
Defendants Face Multiple Charges in Factory Raid Case
Charlotte Head, 29, Samuel Corner, 23, Leona Kamio, 30, Fatema Rajwani, 21, Zoe Rogers, 22, and Jordan Devlin, 31, are all charged with criminal damage following the altercation. Additionally, Samuel Corner faces a further serious count of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Sergeant Kate Evans, who sustained a fractured spine during the incident. All defendants have entered not guilty pleas to the charges brought against them.
Court Views Footage of Intense Confrontations
During Thursday's proceedings, the jury was shown body-worn camera footage capturing clashes between the defendants, who were dressed in distinctive red jumpsuits, and three security guards: Nigel Shaw, Patrick Luke, and Angelo Volante. The video evidence provided a vivid account of the chaotic scene inside the warehouse.
In one segment, Angelo Volante could be seen initially carrying a whip in one hand and a radio in the other before wrestling a sledgehammer out of Zoe Rogers' hands. Jordan Devlin, wearing a keffiyeh tied around his waist, was heard shouting multiple threats, including "it's not worth your job," "you're not going to have a job tomorrow so don't try to protect it," and the ominous warning, "this place is not going to exist tomorrow."
Activists Armed with Sledgehammers and Flare
Other footage showed a confrontation between security guard Nigel Shaw and activists Kamio, Head, and Corner in another part of the warehouse. The activists, armed with sledgehammers and a flare, could be heard shouting "get the f*** out" during the exchange. Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC informed the court that Mr. Shaw, who was seen pointing an umbrella at the defendants, told them "I feel a little bit concussed," to which Kamio responded, "You're literally bleeding."
Corner added, "You've only got a f****** umbrella," highlighting the disparity in equipment between the security personnel and the activists. Further footage from Patrick Luke's body-worn device captured him telling the defendants they were "going to be doing criminal damage," with Kamio defiantly responding, "We're f****** doing that."
Prosecution Details Damage and Police Response
Ms. Heer detailed that the footage showed Kamio using her sledgehammer to "smash up items" inside the warehouse before picking up a fire extinguisher. As Mr. Luke backed away from the activists, he warned them that "police are on their way," indicating the escalating nature of the situation. The prosecution emphasized the extent of the damage and the threats made during the raid.
The trial continues as the court examines the evidence against the six defendants, with the jury tasked with determining their culpability in the alleged criminal damage and assault. The case has drawn attention to the tactics of activist groups targeting defense contractors linked to international conflicts.
