Pro-Palestinian Protesters Sentenced for £1 Million Damage to Weapons Factory

Five pro-Palestinian protesters have been sentenced to a total of five years and two months in prison for causing extensive damage to a weapons factory in Glasgow. The group, consisting of Stuart Bretherton, Eva Simmons, Calum Lacy, Erica Hygate, and Sumaya Javaid, targeted the Thales UK building in Govan on June 1, 2022, resulting in damages exceeding £1 million. The protest escalated as the activists scaled the building, unfurling banners and igniting pyrotechnics. Their actions triggered the fire alarm system, leading to an evacuation of the premises. During the chaos, a smoke bomb was thrown into the evacuation area, causing panic among the staff. The situation intensified when two protesters chose to remain on the roof overnight, gluing themselves to the structure and refusing to cooperate with police. The court heard that the total damage inflicted amounted to £1,131,000, highlighting the significant impact of the protest. The defendants were charged with various offenses related to their actions, which were described as reckless and dangerous. The sentencing reflects the legal consequences of such protests, particularly when they result in substantial property damage and public safety risks. The case has sparked discussions about the balance between the right to protest and the potential for harm to individuals and property.