What Happened: The 2024 Elbit Factory Raid
• In early August 2024, a group of activists associated with Palestine Action broke into the Elbit Systems UK facility in Filton, near Bristol — a site owned by the Israeli defence firm that manufactures military equipment. (Wikipedia)
• They drove a modified prison van through the perimeter and entered the compound, causing property damage to protest the company’s role in supplying defence equipment. (Wikipedia)
• Police arrested many activists and charged them with offences including aggravated burglary, criminal damage, violent disorder, and one charge of causing grievous bodily harm to a police officer. (Wikipedia)
Latest Court Outcome: Acquittals and Retrial Decision
Jury Verdict in Early 2026
• In February 2026, a jury at Woolwich Crown Court found the six main defendants not guilty of aggravated burglary, the most serious charge they faced. (Anadolu Ajansı)
• However, the jury failed to reach verdicts on charges of criminal damage against all six. (Anadolu Ajansı)
• Some were also cleared of violent disorder (Rajwani, Rogers, Devlin), but the jury couldn’t decide on that for the others. (Anadolu Ajansı)
• An additional unresolved allegation — that one activist (Samuel Corner) caused grievous bodily harm with intent to a police officer — also resulted in no verdict. (Anadolu Ajansı)
Retrial on Remaining Charges
• Because the jury could not reach decisions on the unresolved counts — criminal damage, violent disorder for some, and grievous bodily harm with intent against one defendant — prosecutors have instructed the Crown Court to seek a retrial on those specific allegations. (The Standard)
• At a recent hearing, prosecutor Deanna Heer KC confirmed that the retrial would include all counts left undecided by the jury. (The Standard)
• The court provisionally set a retrial date for 16 February 2027. (Anadolu Ajansı)
• Meanwhile, aggravated burglary charges against 18 additional defendants have been dropped due to insufficient evidence on that count. (The Independent)
• Except for Samuel Corner, the other activists were released on conditional bail after around 18 months in custody. (Anadolu Ajansı)
Legal & Political Context
Palestine Action Proscription
• The UK government proscribed Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation in 2025 under the Terrorism Act — a controversial decision that drew legal challenges. (Wikipedia)
• Recently the High Court ruled that ban unlawful, but the government has been granted permission to appeal, meaning the ban stays in place during legal proceedings. (Reuters)
Dropped Charges for Others
• Of the larger group initially charged following the Filton break-in, many had aggravated burglary counts dropped, though some still face lesser charges tied to the incident. (Progressive News Service)
Public & Political Reactions
Reactions have been mixed, reflecting deep divisions in public opinion:
Supporters of the activists argue:
- The group was protesting against what they describe as British complicity in violence against Palestinians, and see the actions as political activism rather than criminality. (Free the Filton 24)
Critics and some politicians respond:
- Some argue that the actions included serious criminal damage and violence, including an allegation of grievous bodily harm against a police officer, and support the decision to pursue retrial on unresolved charges. (Reddit)
Neutral legal observers note:
- Under UK law, it’s typical for prosecutors to pursue retrial on counts where a jury could not agree, even if defendants have spent time on remand. (Reddit)
What Comes Next
• Retrial in February 2027: The six activists will face a new trial on the unresolved charges. (Anadolu Ajansı)
• Ongoing legal debate: The legality and implications of the proscription of Palestine Action remain subject to appeal in higher courts. (Reuters)
• Wider protests and activism: The Filton site and similar defence facilities in the UK continue to be flashpoints for pro-Palestinian demonstrations. (Bristol24/7)
Here is a detailed breakdown with case studies and reactions regarding the retrial of activists linked to Palestine Action over the UK factory raid.
Background: The UK Factory Raid
In August 2024, activists associated with Palestine Action broke into a facility operated by Elbit Systems UK in Filton, near Bristol. Elbit Systems is the UK arm of Elbit Systems, an Israeli defence contractor.
Prosecutors said activists:
- Used a modified van to breach the site perimeter.
- Caused extensive property damage.
- Engaged in confrontation during the incident.
They were charged with:
- Aggravated burglary
- Criminal damage
- Violent disorder
- In one case, grievous bodily harm with intent
The case was heard at Woolwich Crown Court.
Court Outcome and Retrial Decision
In early 2026:
- The jury acquitted six activists of aggravated burglary, the most serious charge.
- However, the jury failed to reach verdicts on criminal damage charges.
- Some violent disorder charges also resulted in hung jury decisions.
- One defendant faces a retrial on an allegation of causing grievous bodily harm to a police officer.
Because the jury could not agree on those counts, prosecutors have confirmed a retrial scheduled for February 2027 on the unresolved charges.
Case Studies
Case Study: Hung Jury and Retrial in UK Law
In UK criminal proceedings, when a jury cannot reach a unanimous or majority verdict, the judge may discharge the jury and allow prosecutors to seek a retrial.
Impact in this case:
- The activists were cleared of the most serious allegation (aggravated burglary).
- However, unresolved charges mean legal proceedings continue.
- Several defendants had already spent approximately 18 months on remand before trial.
Legal experts note that retrials after hung juries are common in serious public order cases, especially where property damage and alleged injury are involved.
Case Study: Political Protest vs Criminal Damage
The defence argued the action was politically motivated protest aimed at disrupting arms production linked to conflict in Gaza.
Prosecution position:
- The break-in involved deliberate destruction of property.
- Alleged harm to an officer moves the case beyond peaceful protest.
This mirrors past legal disputes involving direct-action protest groups, where courts must distinguish between:
- Lawful protest
- Civil disobedience
- Criminal conduct
Case Study: Proscription Controversy
In 2025, the UK government designated Palestine Action under terrorism legislation — a decision that sparked legal challenges.
A High Court ruling questioned aspects of the ban, but the government has been granted permission to appeal, meaning the legal status remains under review.
This has intensified public debate around:
- Freedom of protest
- National security policy
- Government response to pro-Palestinian activism
Reactions and Comments
Supporters of the Activists
Supporters argue:
- The raid was a form of civil resistance against weapons production.
- The acquittal on aggravated burglary suggests the most serious criminal intent was not proven.
- The retrial prolongs what they view as political prosecution.
Some activist groups describe the defendants as “political prisoners” due to extended pre-trial detention.
Critics and Law-and-Order Advocates
Opponents argue:
- Breaking into secure industrial sites crosses a legal line.
- Alleged injuries to a police officer justify further prosecution.
- Political motivation does not exempt individuals from criminal responsibility.
Industry representatives stress the importance of protecting defence infrastructure.
Legal Analysts
Neutral observers highlight:
- The split verdict reflects how complex protest-related trials can be.
- Juries often struggle when political motives intersect with criminal law.
- A retrial allows the Crown Prosecution Service to attempt to secure clarity on the unresolved counts.
They also note that retrials can create financial and emotional strain on defendants and the state.
Broader Implications
This case sits at the intersection of:
- UK protest law
- National security legislation
- Defence industry activism
- The Israel–Gaza conflict’s impact on UK domestic politics
The February 2027 retrial could:
- Clarify legal boundaries for direct-action protest tactics.
- Influence future prosecution decisions in politically charged cases.
- Further test the legality of the organisation’s proscription.
Summary
Activists cleared of aggravated burglary.
Jury could not agree on criminal damage and some violent disorder charges.
Retrial scheduled for February 2027.
Case continues to spark debate over protest rights vs criminal accountability.