Single guilty verdict after Palestine Action trial in UK

A single person was found guilty in a two-month trial involving eight Palestine Action supporters in the UK. The defendants were accused of organizing an attack on an Elbit Systems factory in Filton, near Bristol on August 6, 2024. However, the defendants were not present at the scene. Prosecutors alleged they compiled an equipment list, conducted reconnaissance, and purchased tools and weapons for others.

After 37 hours of deliberation, a jury reached a majority verdict of nine to one, convicting one defendant of criminal damage. The jury was unable to reach verdicts on the remaining 14 charges. The jury's findings were reported on August 9, 2024, with Judge Patrick Field discharging the jury the same day. The jury's deliberation lasted for 37 hours before reaching their decision.

The identity of the convicted defendant cannot be reported for legal reasons. The defendants charged with criminal damage were: William Plastow, 35, from Manchester; Teuta Hoxha, 30, from Southwark, London; Hannah Davidson, 53, and Madeleine Norman, 31, both from Edinburgh; Ian Sanders, 47, from Leamington Spa, Warwickshire; Aleksandra Herbich, 42, from Brent, London; Sean Middlebrough, 34, from Liverpool; and Julija Brigadirova, 34, from Chorlton, Manchester.

All but Plastow were also accused of violent disorder. The prosecution will now decide whether to seek a retrial, with the case set for a mention hearing on September 14, 2024.