Nine deny factory raid charges at Old Bailey

Nine men and women are on trial at the Old Bailey, facing charges related to an incident at a factory on June 17, 2024. The defendants are accused of criminal damage, burglary with intent, and violent disorder during an early morning raid on Instro Precision in Sandwich, Kent. Prosecutors allege the group were members or supporters of Palestine Action and deliberately targeted the factory because of its association with Elbit Systems, a defence company with links to Israel.

Testimony from Security Guard

Security guard Billy Dennis told jurors that he observed approximately 15 to 20 individuals arriving in two teams, one dressed in black and the other in red. He described them as carrying items including hammers, hatchets, fireworks, spray bottles, and fire extinguishers, and wearing masks and goggles to obscure their identities. Mr Dennis stated that he approached the group after they began cutting through a fence around 3:20 am. He shouted for them to leave, but they continued. He then drove his Land Rover towards the fence to block the hole, at which point he was surrounded and some of his vehicle's windows were smashed.

Body-worn camera footage shown in court depicted masked figures smashing the windscreen of Mr Dennis's vehicle. He testified that the shattering glass cut his face. Mr Dennis described the break-in as "incredibly noisy and disorientating" and recalled being asked for his bodycam and radio. He stated he was struck in the face during the incident. Footage played in court included Mr Dennis saying, "I’ve got one of their hammers," and discussing his movements, which he described as "probably trying to run for my life."

Further footage appeared to show individuals in red boiler suits smashing property inside the factory with sledgehammers. Mr Dennis told the court he attempted to reason with them to stop the damage, but this was met with "violence, verbal abuse, physical abuse, being sprayed with a fire extinguisher." He described his colleague, security guard Michael Robins, as looking "beaten up" and covered in red paint, having thrown up after the incident. Mr Dennis and Mr Robins then retreated, fearing serious harm.

Video from outside the factory showed Mr Dennis and other security personnel pursuing individuals in red boiler suits. Mr Dennis was heard shouting at the fleeing intruders. He explained to the jury that he was "irate" and upset by the actions of the intruders and the harm to his colleagues. Footage also showed Mr Dennis moving towards intruders with an object in his hand, shouting. He stated this was a tactic to "escalate to de-escalate" when the intruders were still armed and leaving the premises.

Mr Dennis confirmed he made "contact" with two people using the object, which he described as a "rubber handle." He stated he struck defendant Xavi Davies on his backpack, aiming to lessen the impact. Mr Dennis told the court he stood by his actions, stating he did not "go to work wanting to cause harm" and was acting in self-defence and to protect his colleagues, describing his actions as a "last resort."

Prosecution's Allegations

Prosecutors allege that one group, the "black team," was intended to overwhelm security guards, allowing the "red team" to enter the building and cause extensive damage. The nine defendants on trial are said to include members of the red team, one member of the black team, and individuals who assisted with perimeter security, travel, and other arrangements.

Defendants and Charges

The defendants are Julija Brigadirova, 34, from Manchester; Nasser Akhtar, 39, of Crystal Palace; Elliot Wilson, 26, from Liverpool; Maximillian Dixon, 31, of Brockley, south-east London; Nirad Abrol, 27, of Birmingham; Seirol Davies, 31, from Plymouth; Xavi Davies, 23, of Binfield, Berkshire; Eoin O’Meara, 36, of Bristol; and Hannah Davidson, 53, of Edinburgh. All nine deny the charges against them. The trial is ongoing.