News / Crime
Palestine Action activist jailed for eight years for attacking police officer with sledgehammer
A man who attacked a police officer with a sledgehammer during an infamous protest at a north Bristol defence firm’s factory has been jailed for almost eight years.
Samuel Corner has been sentenced to seven years and eight months after being found guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm on Avon and Somerset Police officer Kate Evans.
Jurors at Woolwich Crown Court heard that Corner hit Evans with a sledgehammer when officers were responding to an incident at the UK site of Israel-based defence company Elbit Systems in Filton.
The attack left the sergeant with a broken spine, the court heard.
Corner was one of four activists convicted of criminal damage in connection with the same incident.
In a retrial, Charlotte Head, 30, Leona Kamio, 30, Fatema Rajwani, 21, and Corner were found guilty after breaking into the factory.
The case is believed to be the first time that convictions for criminal damage have been classified as being connected to terrorism.
Following the sentencing, chief constable Sarah Crew condemned the attack and spoke of the “deeply personal, painful and lasting” impact on Evans.
She said: “On average, five officers in Avon and Somerset are assaulted every day, including being physically attacked, verbally abused and spat at.
“For many, this is sadly not a rare occurrence but a repeated reality.
“No one comes to work expecting to be assaulted, abused, or to suffer a life‑changing injury. And yet, too often, that is exactly what happens.
“This is not, and cannot, be seen as acceptable.”
Main photo: Palestine Action
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