Bodycam footage of alleged sledgehammer attack on police shown at Palestine Action trial

Key Concepts:

• Palestine Action
• Elbit Systems UK
• Aggravated burglary
• Violent disorder
• Criminal damage
• Grievous bodily harm
• Sledgehammer
• Prescription under terrorism laws
• Judicial review

Summary of Court Proceedings Regarding Palestine Action Activists

This report details the ongoing trial of six individuals accused of breaking into an Elbit Systems UK site in Bristol in August of last year. The incident, described as a "meticulously organized attack" by prosecutors, involved activists wearing red boiler suits and using sledgehammers.

Evidence Presented in Court

• Video Footage: Temp's Valley Police released several videos depicting the chaotic scenes during the police response to the Elbit Systems UK site. These videos show activists with sledgehammers. The police have annotated some of the footage with freezes and arrows to identify the defendants. Sky News has muted the video due to expletive language. The unmuted version would reveal significant shouting, screaming, and an active alarm at the site.
• Police Officer Testimony: Two police officers provided evidence in court regarding injuries sustained during the incident.
  • One officer reported being scared after being hit in the calf with a sledgehammer.
  • Another officer described feeling a "massive shock vibrating through her whole body" after being struck in the back while kneeling. She initially feared her spine had been shattered.

Charges and Denials

The six individuals on trial deny charges of aggravated burglary, violent disorder, and criminal damage. Prosecutors allege that the defendants are members of Palestine Action. It is noted that these allegations predate Palestine Action's prescription under terrorism laws in June.

Specific Charges for Samuel Corner

One of the defendants, Samuel Corner, faces an additional charge of causing grievous bodily harm. He denies striking two police officers with a sledgehammer.

Trial Details and Related Proceedings

• Duration: The trial is complex and is expected to last for 10 weeks.
• Separation from Judicial Review: This trial is distinct from ongoing judicial review proceedings that are examining the prescription of Palestine Action under terrorism laws and the legality of that decision.

Key Arguments and Perspectives

• Prosecution: Argues that the attack was meticulously organized and that the defendants are members of Palestine Action. They are presenting video evidence and police testimony to support their case.
• Defense: The six individuals deny all charges. Samuel Corner specifically denies causing grievous bodily harm.

Conclusion

The trial is a complex legal process involving significant evidence, including video footage and the testimony of injured police officers. The charges are serious, including aggravated burglary, violent disorder, criminal damage, and grievous bodily harm. The proceedings are ongoing and are separate from the judicial review concerning the proscription of Palestine Action.