Key facts
- Palestine Action activists allegedly used whips, hammers, and kebab skewers to threaten security guards at an Elbit Systems factory.
- Five defendants are on trial at Woolwich crown court for criminal damage and violent disorder.
- The raid occurred in the early hours of August 6, 2024.
- An alleged plan found by police stated the objective was to 'shut Elbit Down' through destruction.
- A security guard, Nigel Shaw, sustained a 4cm laceration to his head after being attacked by activists.
- Activists threw fireworks and used smoke grenades during the incident.
Five individuals are on trial at Woolwich crown court, accused of criminal damage and violent disorder during a raid on an Israel-linked arms factory in Filton, near Bristol, on August 6, 2024. Prosecutors allege that Palestine Action activists, divided into a 'black team' and a 'red team', used weapons including whips, hammers, and kebab skewers to intimidate security guards and facilitate a break-in.
Prosecutor Diana Heer told the jury that the 'black team's' role was to overwhelm security personnel, allowing the 'red team' to enter the Elbit Systems factory and damage equipment, including drones. The court heard that an alleged plan discovered by police stated the objective was to 'shut Elbit Down' through destruction.
During the incident, a security guard named Nigel Shaw reportedly suffered a 4cm laceration to his head after being attacked. The prosecution claims that activists threw fireworks and brandished weapons to keep guards at bay. A prison van was allegedly used to crash through perimeter fences before the 'red team' used crowbars and sledgehammers to smash computer equipment and drones, while also spraying walls with fire extinguishers filled with red paint.