Court Examines Case of Palestine Activist Accused of Using Sledgehammer on Officer

Attack on Military Factory: Jurors Advised to Set Aside Political Views

Jurors have been instructed to set aside their personal political beliefs regarding Israel and Palestine as they review evidence concerning an assault on a military factory, where a female police officer was reportedly attacked by an activist wielding a sledgehammer, resulting in a broken hip.

Seven individuals have denied charges of aggravated robbery, criminal damage, and violent disorder connected to a dramatic incident at a defense firm last August. Elbit Systems UK, alleged to supply weapons to the Israeli government, was targeted in what officials describe as an organized attack in Patchway, Bristol, which left several police officers and security personnel injured.

During the proceedings at Woolwich Crown Court, it was revealed that activists from Action for Palestine are thought to have used a former prison van to breach the facility’s perimeter and subsequently vandalize the factory’s entrance. Prosecutors noted that the operation was “meticulously organized,” with teams wearing different colored jerseys—one focused on managing security guards while the other aimed to create disruption, effectively neutralizing the factory’s operations.

Prosecutors stated, “When they entered the premises, they each carried a sledgehammer. There’s no doubt these sledgehammers were intended for property damage, and they also served as weapons to instill fear and inflict damage if needed.”

In addition to robbery and damage charges, Samuel Corner, aged 23 and from Rockhill, Georgeham, Devon, faces a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent related to the sledgehammer incident. The court was informed that he struck the female police officer twice, knocking her down and fracturing her hip.

Prosecutors claimed, “As the female officer lay on the floor facing away, he struck her in the back with a hammer.” Although she wore a stab vest, which may have mitigated some impact, Sergeant Kate Evans suffered a fractured spine and has since been unable to return to full duties.

Additionally, the court heard that fireworks were launched at security staff during the attack, and threats were made with melee weapons like saws and whips, resulting in injuries to two security guards.

Security footage presented in court captured a guard relaying to a colleague via walkie-talkie, “Literally about eight people broke into the warehouse and destroyed the floor… They destroyed the back fence and went straight through. They shot fireworks and everything else into the warehouse and basically threw hammers at everyone.”

The presiding judge emphasized to jurors the necessity of setting aside their opinions about the Israel-Palestine situation while evaluating the evidence. “Many hold strong beliefs regarding events in the Middle East. Some may support Israel’s actions in Gaza for self-defense against Hamas, while others may see those actions as illegal or even genocidal. While everyone is entitled to their perspectives, as a juror in this case, it’s imperative to completely disregard any opinions on these matters; they’re irrelevant to your deliberations.”

Since the attack on Elbit, the Palestinian Action Group has been classified as a terrorist organization by the British government. The judge reminded jurors to consider that the raid occurred prior to this designation.