Palestine Action activists bailed ahead of possible retrial over violent break in
They were cleared of aggravated burglary, but the jury failed to reach verdicts on several other counts. One activist has been denied bail.
Five Palestine Action activists have been released on bail ahead of a potential retrial over a break-in at an Israel-based defence firm’s UK site, with one remanded in custody.
Charlotte Head, Samuel Corner, Leona Kamio, Fatema Rajwani, Zoe Rogers and Jordan Devlin were cleared of aggravated burglary, but the jury failed to reach verdicts on several other counts.
All of the defendants except Mr Corner were granted conditional bail at a Woolwich Crown Court hearing after the trial concluded.
Cheers and drums could be heard through the walls during proceedings, as about 100 supporters gathered outside the courthouse on Wednesday.
Jurors had found Ms Rajwani, Ms Rogers and Mr Devlin not guilty of violent disorder after deliberating for 36 hours and 34 minutes.
However they could not reach verdicts for charges of criminal damage against all six defendants, or on the allegation that Mr Corner, 23, inflicted grievous bodily harm on Police Sergeant Kate Evans.
Nor could they reach a verdict on the charges of violent disorder against Ms Head, Mr Corner, and Ms Kamio.
Ms Head has spent around 18 months on remand, her defence barrister Rajiv Menon KC said in his bail application, which was used by the other defendants except Mr Corner.
Prosecutors argued against bail on the grounds that there were substantial grounds to believe they would commit further offences.
In response, Mr Menon told the court: “There is absolutely no evidential basis at all in this case for such a fear – the very last thing that Charlotte would want to do, if granted bail, is to get involved in any political activity in the foreseeable future as she has been locked up now for nearly 18 months.”
He added: “She just wants to breathe fresh air and be free, she wants to spend time with her family and her friends – she wants to eat a home-cooked meal and wants to not be put in handcuffs on a daily basis.”
Mr Justice Johnson acknowledged the “considerable amount of time” she has spent on remand.
He concluded: “I believe that that risk can now be appropriately manage by the imposition of bail conditions.”
The conditions include that all five must only have one electronic device with internet access, and it must be made available for inspection on demand by police.
Defence barrister Tom Wainwright said there is “no way on earth” his client Mr Corner would reoffend.
However, Mr Justice Johnson acknowledged the prosecution’s position that Mr Corner “used considerable violence” to a police officer.
He denied Mr Corner bail, adding: “It is, however, a position that should be kept under review, particularly as the length of time that Mr Corner will remain on remand pending trial is uncertain.”
Their next hearing is on February 18.
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