Edinburgh Protester Claims Innocence in £1 Million Damage Case Against Arms Firm

Edinburgh: Nine people, including one from Edinburgh, are in hot water. They’re accused of breaking into a Bristol site owned by an Israeli arms company. They allegedly caused a whopping £1 million in damage.

This incident happened on August 6 last year. The group, known as Palestine Action, reportedly used sledgehammers during the break-in. They all appeared via video link from various jails to plead not guilty.

The defendants include Charlotte, Jordan, and Leona from Hackney, Samuel and Fatema from Mitcham, Zoe from Enfield, Madeline from Edinburgh, Ian from Leamington Spa, and William from Manchester.

One defendant, Corner, also faces a charge of causing grievous bodily harm to a police sergeant. In total, 18 people have been charged in connection with this incident.

During the hearing at the Old Bailey, the prosecutor suggested combining the cases but mentioned they would be split into three separate trials. The first trial is set for November 17 at Woolwich Crown Court.

A second trial will kick off on May 6 next year, and the third trial date is still up in the air. Outside the court, pro-Palestine supporters gathered to make their voices heard before the hearing began.

Several other defendants appeared via video link, including some from Edinburgh and London. The remaining defendants didn’t enter pleas, and another hearing is scheduled for May 2.