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Palestine Action Attack on Lancashire Bank Branch ‘Not Terrorism-Linked’, Judge Rules
Judge Robert Altham ruled the five activists will face only criminal damage sentences, rejecting a terrorism link that could have brought longer jail terms.
Judge Robert Altham ruled on Friday that five Palestine Action activists will not face terrorism sentencing for vandalizing a Barclays branch, determining their criminal damage conviction does not meet the legal threshold for a 'terrorist connection'.
The potential terrorism classification followed a controversial precedent set at Woolwich Crown Court, where Palestine Action activists were previously sentenced as terrorists for damaging an Israeli weapons factory despite conviction only of criminal damage.
On August 5, 2024, the five activists caused £200,000 in damage to a Barclays branch in Burnley, targeting the bank to protest its financial ties to the Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems.
Supporters cheered outside Preston Crown Court after the ruling, while the defendants issued a joint statement saying they were "extremely relieved" that a terrorism sentence, which they argued should never have been considered, was rejected.
Defendants will be sentenced for criminal damage on September 4, though civil rights group Liberty warned the development reflects fears that "terrorism laws are used to target protesters".