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Sledgehammer Attack Conviction, Palestine Action Activists Sentenced, Ban Upheld

5/8/2026

39 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Samuel Corner was convicted of grievous bodily harm after his sledgehammer strike fractured Sgt. Kate Evans’s spine.
Four Palestine Action activists were convicted of criminal damage for the Elbit Systems raid in Bristol and will be sentenced on 12 June 2026.
The 2025 government proscription of Palestine Action remains in effect despite a High Court ruling that it was unlawful.

History

Historical Context

After internment began in August 1971, the Official IRA fought 600 British troops in the Markets area of Belfast under Joe McCann. In 1972 the British Home Office proscribed the IRA under the new Prevention of Terrorism Act as a national security measure. The ban created a template for later UK proscription measures.

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Story summary

Samuel Corner was convicted of grievous bodily harm after his sledgehammer strike fractured Sgt. Kate Evans’s spine.
Four Palestine Action activists were convicted of criminal damage for the Elbit Systems raid in Bristol and will be sentenced on 12 June 2026.
The 2025 government proscription of Palestine Action remains in effect despite a High Court ruling that it was unlawful.

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