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A British anti-Israel activist told a court on Thursday that he believed it was “reasonable” to strike a police officer with a sledgehammer during a violent break-in at a UK facility linked to an Israeli defense company in 2024.
Samuel Corner, 23, is one of six members of Palestine Action facing retrial on charges including criminal damage and violent disorder. A previous jury acquitted the group of aggravated burglary but failed to reach verdicts on several other counts.
Corner admitted he struck the officer during the August 2024 raid, leaving him with a fractured spine. The officer remains on restricted duty.
In testimony, Corner said he acted after hearing “someone screaming” and fearing a fellow activist was being harmed. Under questioning, he conceded that the officer he attacked was not harming anyone. He also accepted that his actions were extreme, while maintaining that, in the moment, they felt justified.
The group’s stated aim was to “shut Elbit down,” referring to the Israeli defense company Elbit Systems. They aimed to destroy equipment they believed was tied to weapons production. Prosecutors said the attackers used sledgehammers and crowbars during the break-in, causing about £1 million in damage.
Police arrested three anti-Israel protesters outside the courtroom during the trial. The initial verdict drew criticism from police, lawmakers, and Jewish communal groups.
BREAKING: The British police have released footage of Palestine Action activists attacking a female police officer with a sledgehammer.
This is the most violent movement on planet Earth. pic.twitter.com/xw3l5r8pGa
— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) November 25, 2025
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