Try GOLD - Free

Palestine Action activists cleared of factory burglary

The Independent

|

February 05, 2026

Six Palestine Action activists were cleared of committing aggravated burglary yesterday over a break-in at an Israel-based defence firm's UK site.

- POL ALLINGHAM

Palestine Action activists cleared of factory burglary

Charlotte Head, 29, Samuel Corner, 23, Leona Kamio, 30, Fatema Zainab Rajwani, 21, Zoe Rogers, 22, and Jordan Devlin, 31, faced trial at Woolwich Crown Court over allegations they used or threatened unlawful violence and used sledgehammers as weapons after a prison van was driven into Elbit Systems’ Bristol factory.

Prosecutors said the six defendants, whose trial began in November, were members of the now-banned group Palestine Action. All six were acquitted of aggravated burglary, and jurors found Ms Rajwani, Ms Rogers and Mr Devlin not guilty of violent disorder.

The jury deliberated for 36 hours and 34 minutes, but could not reach a verdict for charges of criminal damage against all six defendants.

No verdict was reached in the allegation that Mr Corner, 23, inflicted grievous bodily harm on Police Sergeant Kate Evans, or on the charges of violent disorder against Ms Head, Mr Corner, and Ms Kamio.

MORE STORIES FROM The Independent

The Independent

The Independent

We don't need more biopics but Meryl as Joni is catnip

Springsteen and Dylan have had the movie treatment, The Beatles are up next, while Joni Mitchell is on the horizon. Patrick Smith was ready for it all to stop, until, news flash...

time to read

4 mins

February 05, 2026

The Independent

The Independent

Andrew's Marsh Farm exile is exactly what he deserves

When the obituaries are finally written of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor – and for many in the royal family, perpetually embarrassed by the former Duke of York’s antics, that day cannot come too soon – they will single out his sheer conceit from among his many undesirable and unendearing qualities.

time to read

2 mins

February 05, 2026

The Independent

The Independent

Profumo was huge, but this will be an even bigger affair

Right now, Peter Mandelson is holed up in the Wiltshire estate in a cottage on the land of a wealthy friend, his political, diplomatic and business careers in tatters, shunned by those who long courted his company and advice as an acerbic wit and a tactical Labour seer.

time to read

4 mins

February 05, 2026

The Independent

The Independent

The twisted, dark games the rich are playing with money

As the wife of a banker, Helen Kirwan-Taylor has seen the smoke and mirrors used in the lifestyles of the privileged elite, who turn to figures such as Jeffrey Epstein for loans

time to read

5 mins

February 05, 2026

The Independent

The Independent

So enticing, yet so hard to reach in a reasonable time

South America has many rewards, but getting to a country like Peru can be a gruelling experience, writes Simon Calder

time to read

3 mins

February 05, 2026

The Independent

The Independent

'What a character': snooker legend Virgo dies, aged 79

John Virgo was one of the best players in the world before becoming a household name by co-presenting ‘Big Break’ and delivering iconic lines of commentary, writes Luke Baker

time to read

4 mins

February 05, 2026

The Independent

The Independent

City dispatch Newcastle for fifth Carabao Cup final slot

Pep Guardiola's claim to greatness stems from much more than just the Carabao Cup but a man who has won much else is now one victory away from being out on his own as the most successful manager in its history.

time to read

4 mins

February 05, 2026

The Independent

The Independent

MOOR FOOL YOU

With a new big-budget film adaptation hitting our screens, 'Wuthering Heights' is on everyone's lips. It's a shame, then, that it's such an awful, awful book, argues Helen Coffey

time to read

4 mins

February 05, 2026

The Independent

The Independent

It's shocking how we became prone to moles and grifters

As a journalist who deals with top businesspeople and politicians as part of the job, I grew accustomed to the requests.

time to read

4 mins

February 05, 2026

The Independent

The Independent

How do I stop online trolls from making me miserable?

The Indy's agony aunt Victoria Richards is here to help

time to read

5 mins

February 05, 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size