A UK court sentenced four pro-Palestinian activists to prison for their involvement in a raid on an Israeli defense company in Bristol, resulting in over $1 million in damages. The defendants—Charlotte Head, Samuel Corner, Leona Kamio, and Fatema Rajwani—were convicted last month of destroying equipment at an Elbit Systems facility in August 2024.

During the raid, the activists, dressed in red boiler suits, used sledgehammers and crowbars to damage computers, drones, and other technological equipment, before confronting security personnel and police officers attempting to intervene. Among the charges, Samuel Corner, 23, was found to have struck police officer Kate Evans twice on the back with a seven-pound sledgehammer, causing a fractured spine, according to testimony at Woolwich Crown Court in London.

The group, affiliated with the Palestine Action organization, stated their objective was to disable drones and weaponry they believed were deployed in attacks on civilians, particularly in the Gaza Strip. However, Judge Jeremy Johnson described the raid as "an act of terrorism," sentencing Corner to seven years and eight months in prison. The judge also criticized Corner for using "extreme and gratuitous force" against an officer performing her duties.

Charlotte Head, 30, who drove a van through the facility's gates during the incident, and Leona Kamio, also 30, received five-year prison terms. Fatema Rajwani was sentenced to four years and eight months. Both Head and Rajwani became emotional during the sentencing.

Outside the courthouse, approximately 500 protesters gathered in support of the activists, resulting in the arrest of 107 people, according to police reports. The Palestine Action group, established to take direct action against firms involved in the Israeli military industry, has been subject to legal scrutiny following a ban under the 2000 Terrorism Act that took effect in July 2025. The legislation criminalizes membership in or support for the group, carrying penalties of up to 14 years imprisonment.

Since the ban's implementation, roughly 3,000 individuals have been arrested at various demonstrations linked to Palestine Action. The group successfully challenged the ban in February when the High Court ruled it disproportionate and detrimental to human rights, ordering its removal. The government has appealed that decision, with the High Court expected to deliver a ruling on Monday.

Elbit Systems, the company targeted in the raid, is an Israeli defense technology firm employing about 20,000 people and generating annual revenue near $2 billion. The recent sentencing underscores ongoing tensions within the UK over activism directed at companies involved in international military contracts.