Full Breakdown
Palestine Action Activists on Trial for Elbit Systems Factory Raid
5/1/2026, 7:52:47 PM
The August 2024 Raid and Criminal Charges
On 6 August 2024, Palestine Action members entered Elbit Systems factory in Filton, near Bristol, using a van. They smashed shutters, used hammers to destroy computers, drones and military equipment, and sprayed paint. All—Zoe Rogers (22), Sam Corner (23), Charlotte Head (30), Leona Kamio (30), Fatema Rajwani (21) and Jordan Devlin (31)—are charged with criminal damage; Corner also faces a GBH charge for allegedly striking a police officer with a sledgehammer.
Defendants’ Decision to Represent Themselves
Five defendants chose self-representation after decisions limited their barristers; Corner kept a lawyer. They said representing themselves let them address the jury.
Testimony of Assault and Evidence Gaps
Jordan Devlin testified that security guard Angelo Volante repeatedly assaulted him—kicking, swinging a sledgehammer, and trying to turn off his body-worn camera. He showed photos of a shoulder mark and a black eye. Defendants said CCTV from two factory-floor cameras was not produced and that body-worn footage omitted moments. PC Sarah Grant confirmed she could not obtain the two recordings, and Rajwani argued the Crown “could not produce all of the CCTV and body-worn” material, suggesting missing footage might reveal further guard violence.
Official Statements & Responses
Prosecutor Emma Gargitter asked Devlin about his injuries, his knowledge of the guard and his acceptance of responsibility for the damage; he answered. Counsel Andrew Morris represented Devlin and stressed the alleged assault. The court viewed the body-worn footage and injury photos.
Criticism of the Prosecution and Claims of State Protection
Defendants called the prosecution’s case “disingenuous and contradictory,” questioning irrelevant details like alleged intoxication. They said guards and Elbit Systems were “shielded and sheltered by the state.” Head linked the raid to frustration over Israeli-Palestinian conflict, noting 2,500 Gaza buildings destroyed since the October 2025 ceasefire.
Data, Context and Conflicting Reports
Six defendants face criminal damage charges; Corner also faces GBH. The raid targeted Israeli defence contractor Elbit Systems, accused of supplying weapons to Israel, and since the October 2025 ceasefire 2,500 Gaza buildings have been destroyed. Defendants claim the Crown did not produce CCTV and body-worn footage.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Sadly, despite how unbelievably kind and smart and wise my barristers are, after some decisions made by the court, I no longer feel like they are permitted to represent me in a way that does us all justice. So I’ve had to represent myself.” — Charlotte Head, 30, Palestine Action activist
- “He kicks me, I catch his leg with both my hands,” — Jordan Devlin, 31, Palestine Action activist
What’s Next
The Woolwich Crown Court trial continues, with a verdict pending. Protesters gathered outside demanding independence. The outcome may shape activist tactics and legal approaches to protests against arms manufacturers.
