Four Palestine Action activists have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms after targeting Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems, with the judge ruling that their offences carried a “terrorist connection” despite none of the defendants being charged with terrorism offences.
Samuel Corner, 23, received the longest sentence of eight years and eight months after being convicted of criminal damage and grievous bodily harm.
Charlotte Head, 30, and Leona Kamio, 30, were each sentenced to six years less 45 days.
While Fatema Zainab Rajwani, 21, was sentenced to five years and eight months less 45 days.
All four will also be subject to 15-year terrorist notification requirements following the judge’s ruling.
The four activists were convicted following their involvement in an August 2024 action at Elbit Systems UK’s site in Filton, Bristol. The court heard that approximately £1 million worth of damage was caused during the raid.
According to campaigners, the activists disabled dozens of quadcopters manufactured by Elbit Systems, one of Israel’s largest weapons manufacturers.
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest news and updates from around the Muslim world!
During sentencing, Mr Justice Johnson acknowledged that the defendants were motivated by their opposition to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
“You are all young people who were of exemplary good character,” the judge said. He noted that the group had been “appalled” by events in the Middle East and believed Israel was committing unlawful acts, but said they had nevertheless “decided to take the law into your own hands” rather than confining themselves to lawful protest.
Terrorism Connection Applied
The most controversial aspect of the case was the judge’s decision to apply a “terrorist connection” finding to the offences.
Justice Johnson ruled that one of the purposes of the action was to influence the British government and end what the defendants viewed as Britain’s complicity in Israeli actions in Gaza. He said the offences were committed for the purpose of advancing a political or ideological cause and therefore met the statutory threshold for a terrorism connection.
The ruling means tougher sentences for the defendants despite the fact that Palestine Action was not a proscribed organisation at the time of the incident and none of the four were convicted of terrorism offences.
The decision has drawn fierce criticism from supporters, civil liberties advocates and politicians.
Former Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell, who attended the sentencing hearing, condemned the ruling.
“By introducing this terrorist element retrospectively, it’s completely unjust,” he said.
Police officer seriously injured
A major factor in the sentencing was the injury suffered by police officer Kate Evans during the incident.
The court heard that Evans suffered a fractured spine after being struck during the confrontation.
Reading an emotional victim impact statement, she said the injury had forced her to give up her rank of sergeant and had significantly affected her life and career.
Corner’s conviction for grievous bodily harm contributed to him receiving the longest sentence among the defendants.
Supporters claim political prosecution
Supporters of the Filton Four argue that the case represents an unprecedented expansion of counter-terrorism powers against anti-genocide activism.
Campaign group CAGE described the defendants as individuals acting to prevent British complicity in a genocide in Gaza. The organisation criticised the trial process, arguing that jurors were prevented from hearing evidence relating to Gaza, Elbit Systems’ role in supplying military equipment, and the wider motivations behind the action.
Campaigners also questioned whether Mr Justice Johnson should have presided over the case, citing his previous legal work representing government departments and security agencies.
More than 2,000 people reportedly contacted the court calling for him to recuse himself, though the request was rejected.
CAGE’s Head of Public Advocacy, Anas Mustapha, said the case demonstrated how terrorism legislation is increasingly being used against political dissent.
Supporters further argue that the jury was never informed that a guilty verdict could later result in terrorism-related sentencing provisions being applied.
Over 100 arrested outside court
The sentencing hearing took place amid a major demonstration outside Woolwich Crown Court, where hundreds of supporters gathered in solidarity with the Filton Four and Palestine Action.
Police initially reported that 72 people had been arrested for allegedly expressing support for Palestine Action. By the end of the day, that figure had risen to 107 arrests.
The Metropolitan Police maintained that support for Palestine Action remains a criminal offence under current law following the group’s proscription by the government.
The arrests come amid an ongoing legal battle over the organisation’s status. Earlier this year, the High Court ruled that the proscription of Palestine Action was unlawful. However, the government appealed that decision, and the Court of Appeal is due to rule on whether the ban should remain in place.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: “We must enforce the law as it is at the time, not as it might be at a future date. We must do that consistently and without fear or favour.”
