Six Palestine Action activists cleared of aggravated burglary at 'Israeli'-linked defence firm

• Six Palestine Action activists were cleared of aggravated burglary at the Elbit Systems UK site in Filton, with some acquitted of violent disorder and no convictions for any other charges.
• The jury did not reach verdicts on some charges, including criminal damage and grievous bodily harm, meaning a retrial on these counts is possible, while the defendants denied any intention to injure security staff.

Six activists from Palestine Action have been cleared of aggravated burglary following a break-in at the UK site of 'Israeli'-linked defence company Elbit Systems. The trial took place at Woolwich Crown Court.

The Break-In

Prosecutors said the defendants, Samuel Corner, 23, Charlotte Head, 29, Leona Kamio, 30, Fatema Rajwani, 21, Zoe Rogers, 22, and Jordan Devlin, 31, used a prison van to enter the factory in Filton, Bristol, in the early hours of 6 August 2024.

The group wore red boiler suits and were armed with sledgehammers, crowbars, and fire extinguishers. During the raid, they damaged computer equipment, drones, boxes of technical products, and the disabled toilet.

Verdicts

All six were found not guilty of aggravated burglary. Three were also acquitted of violent disorder, while the jury failed to reach verdicts on charges of criminal damage and causing grievous bodily harm.

No verdict was reached on the allegation that Corner inflicted grievous bodily harm on Police Sergeant Kate Evans, who was injured during the incident. Corner was remanded in custody, while the other five defendants were granted conditional bail. Their next hearing is scheduled for February 18.

Reaction in Court

The defendants hugged in the dock and waved to supporters in the public gallery after the verdicts, which were greeted with loud cheers. Prosecutors said they would consider whether to seek a retrial on the outstanding charges.

Avon & Somerset Police Federation chair Tom Gent said the assault on Sgt Evans had an impact across the policing community, adding that the federation would await news on a possible retrial.

Defend Our Juries described the verdicts as showing that the defendants’ actions were intended to prevent violence, noting that none were convicted of any offence. The group said the case disproved claims by ministers that the activists were violent criminals.

Defendants’ Statements

All defendants, apart from metalworker Devlin, admitted during the trial to entering the factory without permission and damaging property, including drones and computers. Prosecutors said the group had been “willing to go further” if necessary to achieve their goal of shutting down Elbit Systems.

The defendants denied any intention to injure security staff, stating that sledgehammers and other tools were used solely to damage property.

Jury Instructions

Jurors were directed to ignore posters near the court advocating “jury equity” and were reminded that the defendants’ later proscription under terrorism laws was not relevant to the case.