Group in court after alleged defence firm ram raid

Avon and Somerset Police said a group of people forced their way into the building, using a vehicle to smash through the doors

A group of people accused of breaking into a defence firm's site have appeared in court.

Members of Palestine Action are alleged to have used a vehicle to break through the doors of Elbit Systems UK, near Bristol, in the early hours of 6 August.

Six of the accused appeared via video link in the Old Bailey on Friday, one appeared in person and three did not appear for administrative reasons.

They will next appear at the Old Bailey for a plea hearing on 17 January, and a provisional trial date has been set for 17 November 2025.

A previous court hearing was told a vehicle was driven into the building’s doors during the protest and two responding police officers and a security guard had been injured.

Samuel Corner, 22, of Rock Hill, Georgeham, Devon has been charged with criminal damage, violent disorder, and aggravated burglary using a sledgehammer as an offensive weapon.

He is also charged with wounding police sergeant Kate Evans “with intent to resist or prevent the lawful apprehension or detention of another”.

It is also alleged he caused actual bodily harm to Angelo Volante and Pc Aaron Buxton.

Jordan Devlin, 30, of Stoke Newington High Street, London; Charlotte Head, 28, of Upper Clapton Road, Hackney, London; Leona Kamio, 28, of Clifden Road, Hackney, London; Fatema Rajwani, 20, of Commonside, East Mitcham, Merton, and Zoe Rogers, 20, of Selborne Road, Southgate, Enfield, have all been charged with criminal damage, violent disorder and aggravated burglary using a sledgehammer.

Hannah Davidson, 51, of Calder Gardens, Edinburgh, Ian Sanders, 45, of Regent Place, Royal Leamington Spa; William Plastow, 33, of High Croft Avenue, Manchester; and Madeline Norman, 29, of Wester Drylaw Drive, Edinburgh, are also jointly charged with criminal damage and aggravated burglary using a sledgehammer in relation to the incident.

Norman is also charged with violent disorder.

Mr Justice Baker set aside 10 weeks for the trial, at Woolwich Crown Court.