Trial of Palestine Action Activist Samuel Corner for Assault on Police Officer

Samuel Corner, a 23-year-old activist with Palestine Action, is on trial for allegedly striking Police Sergeant Kate Evans with a sledgehammer during a protest at the Elbit Systems arms factory in Filton, near Bristol, on August 6, 2024. Corner is charged with grievous bodily harm with intent and criminal damage, alongside five co-defendants: Charlotte Head, Leona Kamio, Fatema Rajwani, Zoe Rogers, and Jordan Devlin. The incident reportedly occurred as Corner believed Evans was harming a fellow activist.

The Guardian

The protest aimed to disrupt operations at Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense firm, which Corner and his co-defendants accused of manufacturing weapons intended for use in conflict. Corner stated that their intention was to "shut Elbit down" to prevent the production and export of weapons, asserting that they believed these weapons would "cause death and destruction."

Bristol Post

During the trial at Woolwich Crown Court, Corner described his actions as a protective response. He testified that he swung the sledgehammer after hearing screams and feeling panic, having been sprayed in the face with Pava spray, a type of incapacitant. He expressed that he "would never want to seriously hurt anyone" and emphasized that he did not realize he was attacking a police officer rather than security personnel. Corner's barrister, Tom Wainwright, highlighted his anxiety and fear during the incident, suggesting that his actions were not premeditated violence.

The Guardian

The court heard that Corner struck Evans while she was on her knees, attempting to arrest another protester. The impact resulted in a fractured spine for Evans. In cross-examination, prosecutor Deanna Heer KC questioned Corner about his awareness of the potential harm caused by a sledgehammer, to which he acknowledged the risk but reiterated his state of panic at the time.

The Guardian

Critics of the protest and the actions taken by Corner argue that the use of violence, regardless of intent, undermines the legitimacy of the activists' cause. The prosecution contends that Corner's actions were reckless and dangerous, emphasizing the serious consequences of his decision to use a weapon during the protest.

The Guardian

Corner's defense maintains that the protest was intended to be non-violent, with Corner asserting that he had never engaged in violence prior to this incident. The defendants collectively deny all charges, and the trial is ongoing, with Corner expected to continue giving evidence.

The Guardian

The trial will proceed with further testimonies and evidence presentation, as Corner's defense seeks to clarify his intentions and the context of the protest. The outcome may have implications for future activism and the legal boundaries surrounding protests against defense contractors.

The Guardian