Four Palestine Action activists jailed for a raid that caused £1.2million of damage at an Elbit Systems defence factory near Bristol are seeking to appeal against their sentences, arguing a judge was wrong to classify their actions as terrorism. Charlotte Head, Samuel Corner, Leona Kamio and Fatema Rajwani used sledgehammers and crowbars to destroy computers, drones and equipment at the Israeli-linked site in August 2024, in what is believed to be the first case where criminal damage convictions have been given a terrorist connection classification. The ruling significantly affects their custodial terms, as it means they must serve at least two-thirds of their sentences and face Parole Board hearings before release.

In June, Mr Justice Johnson sentenced Corner to seven years and eight months for criminal damage and grievous bodily harm after he fractured a police officer's spine with a sledgehammer during the raid, while Head and Kamio received five years each and Rajwani four years and eight months for criminal damage. The judge found the group had sought to "shut down" Elbit Systems and influence the government, meeting the threshold for terrorism, meaning they will also spend an extra year on licence and face terrorist notification requirements for 15 years. Their solicitor, Simon Natas, argued there was no intention to influence the government or intimidate the public, insisting the aim was solely to destroy weapons destined for Israel, and the Court of Appeal has confirmed it has received their application for permission to appeal.