Prefer Jewish News on Google
Palestine Action trial jury dismissed after 37 hours of deliberation
Eight defendants charged over a raid on the Elbit Systems factory in Filton, near Bristol, on August 6 2024
A jury has been discharged in the trial of eight Palestine Action supporters accused of helping to organise an attack on an Israel-linked weapons manufacturer in the UK.
The defendants are charged over a raid on the Elbit Systems factory in Filton, near Bristol, on August 6 2024.
None of them were at the scene at the time but their plans allegedly included compiling an equipment list, reconnaissance, and purchasing tools and weapons used by others.
The defendants are: William Plastow, 35, of Manchester; Teuta Hoxha, 30, of Southwark, south-east London; Hannah Davidson, 53, and Madeleine Norman, 31, both from Edinburgh; Ian Sanders, 47, of Leamington Spa, Warwickshire; Aleksandra Herbich, 42, of Brent, north-west London; Sean Middlebrough, 34, of Liverpool; and Julija Brigadirova, 34, from Chorlton, Manchester.
They are charged with criminal damage, with all but Plastow also accused of violent disorder.
They deny wrongdoing.
The Old Bailey trial was opened on June 22 and Judge Patrick Field first sent the jury out to deliberate on verdicts on August 6.
On Wednesday, the judge discharged the jury after 37 hours of deliberations and set a mention hearing in the case for September 14.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
