Judge Urges Calm in Sledgehammer Activist Trial

At Woolwich Crown Court, a judge presiding over the trial of six activists accused in a break-in at Elbit Systems, a UK subsidiary of an Israeli defense firm, has urged the jury to maintain composure. The defendants allegedly used sledgehammers during the incident that occurred on August 6 of last year. The judge specifically instructed the jurors that any biases, emotions, sympathy, prejudice, or political views regarding the Middle East should not factor into their deliberations.

The prosecution contends that the group, dressed in red jumpsuits, aimed to inflict maximum damage upon entering the factory. However, the defense argues that the sledgehammers were not weapons of offense but were solely for property destruction. They assert that their intention was not to injure anyone when they entered the premises.

One defendant, Samuel Corner, also faces a charge related to causing grievous bodily harm to Sergeant Kate Evans, who reportedly suffered a fractured spine. Corner admits to striking Sergeant Evans with a sledgehammer but claims it was an act of self-defense to protect another individual. He disputes causing her serious harm or intending to do so.