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Four activists from the group Palestine Action have been sentenced to prison following their involvement in causing £1.2 million worth of damage at a UK facility linked to an Israeli defence company. The incident took place at the Elbit Systems factory near Bristol in August 2024, where the activists — Charlotte Head, Samuel Corner, Leona Kamio, and Fatema Rajwani — broke in and conducted a raid. Their actions led to a retrial, with all four ultimately convicted of criminal damage.
Among those convicted, Samuel Corner received the longest sentence of seven years and eight months. He was found guilty not only of criminal damage but also of inflicting grievous bodily harm on a police sergeant during the confrontation. The presiding judge, Mr Justice Johnson, strongly criticized the use of “extreme and gratuitous force” by Corner, stating that no justification existed for his actions. This case represents what is believed to be the first instance where criminal damage convictions have been legally classified as having a terrorism connection, highlighting the court’s view that the defendants sought to influence government policy through their conduct.
Charlotte Head was sentenced to five years in prison for her role, including driving a prison van into the factory compound. Kamio was handed a similar five-year sentence, while Rajwani was sentenced to four years and eight months. Notably, none of the offenders will be eligible for early release under standard provisions; instead, their potential release will depend on risk assessments conducted by the Parole Board. Each will also spend an additional year on a community licence following their prison terms.
The impact on law enforcement was deeply felt, particularly by Sgt Evans, the police officer injured during the raid. In a heartfelt impact statement read in court, she disclosed ongoing medical treatment and the difficult decision to relinquish her rank due to the incident’s lasting effects. Sgt Evans described the emotional toll, including disturbed sleep and panic. She reported that Corner showed no remorse after the attack, instead attempting to justify his violence with baseless claims. Avon and Somerset Police Chief Constable Sarah Crew emphasized the personal and lasting impact on Sgt Evans, reminding the public that officers are individuals with lives beyond their uniforms.
Defence barrister Rajiv Menon KC criticized the prosecution’s framing of the case as connected to terrorism, arguing it threatened the integrity of the justice system and amounted to authoritarian overreach. Menon highlighted that charges of aggravated burglary and violent disorder had been dropped, with the trial only proceeding for criminal damage. He argued that it was unprecedented and unfair to assign a terrorism label in this context and questioned the belief that such direct actions would succeed in shutting down Elbit Systems. Instead, the activists sought to damage equipment they claimed would be sent to Israel and used against Palestinians.
From the Crown Prosecution Service, Deanna Heer KC supported the terrorism connection, explaining that UK law allows for longer sentences if offences are committed for ideological reasons aiming to influence government or public opinion through serious violence or property damage. Outside the court, about 500 supporters of Palestine Action gathered to demonstrate, amid reports that the Metropolitan Police had arrested 107 individuals during protests linked to the sentencing proceedings
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