Charges dropped against six activists outside Woolwich Crown Court

Charges against six individuals accused of intimidating jurors during a Palestine Action trial have been discontinued. The activists were demonstrating outside Woolwich Crown Court in south east London on April 29. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed the decision to discontinue the case at Bexley Magistrates’ Court earlier this week.

Background to the charges

The six individuals, Jennifer Moy, 55, Susan Hampton, 70, Claire Marris, 63, Richard Warren, 68, Adrian Cadbury, 38, and Moshe Dixon, 25, had faced charges including obstructing lawful activity and failing to comply with public assembly conditions. It was alleged that their actions, which included displaying signs and chanting, intimidated jurors and deterred them from their duties. All six had denied the charges and were due to appear in court again on September 17. They had been on unconditional bail throughout the proceedings.

The protest took place during the trial of Palestine Action members who were later convicted of criminal damage during an August 2024 raid at the Elbit Systems factory near Bristol. The case at Woolwich Crown Court was marked by frequent demonstrations, which sometimes spilled onto the road.

Reason for discontinuation

Prosecutor Robert Simpson stated at a hearing last month that there was "isn’t a realistic prospect of conviction" in this case. He also noted that no evidence had been provided to show the defendants were on private land. The CPS had given the Metropolitan Police until the end of August to supply further evidence to support the charges.