Six people have appeared at the Old Bailey charged with offences relating to break-ins allegedly committed by supporters of Palestine Action, the campaign group recently banned under terrorism legislation.
The six defendants are accused of taking part in an alleged August 2024 break-in at Elbit Systems, an Israeli defence firm.
The incident played a key role in the Home Secretary’s order banning Palestine Action last month.
There are now 24 people accused of offences relating to the Elbit Systems break-in.
Louie Adams, 33, of north London, Harland Archer, 20, of Whitstable in Kent, Finn Collins, 19, also of Whitstable, Moiz Ibrahim, 27, of west London, Salaam Mahmood, 19, of south-east London and Liam Mullany, 33, of Lytchett Matravers, Dorset, are now jointly accused of three charges with the first 18 other defendants.
Prosecutors allege the group committed aggravated burglary with the assistance of sledgehammers, and criminal damage of more than £1m at Elbit’s Bristol facilities. The defendants are further charged with violent disorder.
Today’s six were remanded in custody to next appear in court on 12 December for a plea hearing.
The first 18 defendants, who have pleaded not guilty, are preparing for trials at various dates, beginning in November.
A group of protesters gathered outside the London court as the case was being heard.
The six people who appeared in court today are the latest to be charged over the incident following a series of raids by Counter Terrorism Policing South East.
Prosecutors said the alleged offences had a “terrorist connection”.
Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb explained the crown court did not have the capacity to conduct a trial with more than six co-defendants in custody at the same time.
This meant the earliest date for a fourth trial, involving the six defendants who appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday, was in 2027, but efforts would be made to bring it forward, she said.
A plea hearing has been set at Woolwich Crown Court for 12 December.
Palestine Action was proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the Government on 5 July this year.
