Four members linked to Palestine Action have been found guilty of criminal damage after breaking into a site linked to an Israel based defence company near Bristol in August 2024. The court heard they forced entry, damaged property, and confronted both security staff and police.
The group, aged between 21 and 30, entered the facility using a stolen and decommissioned prison van. They crashed it into security shutters before going inside with tools. Prosecutors said they aimed to destroy as much equipment as possible during the raid.
Damage Inside the Facility
Once inside, the group used hammers and crowbars to break computers, machinery, drones, and other equipment. The court heard that the destruction was deliberate and continued until they were stopped by security forces.
Authorities estimated the total damage at around one million pounds. The prosecution described the incident as a coordinated effort to cause maximum disruption at the site.
Injury to Police Officer
Samuel Corner, aged 23, was also found guilty of causing serious injury after striking a police sergeant with a sledgehammer, leading to a spinal fracture. He was cleared of a more serious charge involving intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He told the court he acted in response to what he believed was violence against another activist during the confrontation.
Verdicts and Custody Status
Charlotte Head, Leona Kamio, and Fatema Rajwani were also found guilty of criminal damage. Zoe Rogers and Jordan Devlin were cleared of the same charge by the jury.
The court denied bail to the convicted defendants. They remain in custody ahead of sentencing scheduled for June 12.
Purpose of the Protest Claimed by Group
The activists stated that their actions were intended to damage equipment they believed was connected to military operations in Gaza. They claimed the site produced drones and other defence technology.
However, no clear evidence was presented in court confirming exactly what the facility manufactured.
