Four pro-Palestine protesters accused of causing criminal damage to a Wolverhampton aerospace factory are set to face a retrial in March 2027, after a jury failed to reach verdicts last month.
Defendants Deny Charges
Iain Evans, 33, from Saltaire, Shipley; Hisham Alkhamesi, 23, from Burbage, Leicestershire; Hana Yun-Stevens, 24, from south-west London; and Frank Sherman, also known as Bea Sherman, 23, from Ditchling, East Sussex, all deny a single count of causing criminal damage to property. The alleged incident occurred at Moog Aircraft Group's base at the i54 business park in Pendeford, Wolverhampton, last August.
Alleged Damage and Prosecution Case
Prosecutors allege the defendants cut away sections of roofing using power tools and smashed hundreds of solar panels at the factory. The group is believed to have targeted the site due to their belief that the business was involved in the supply chain to Israel. The prosecution argues they had no lawful excuse for their actions.
Court Proceedings and Retrial Date
At Birmingham Crown Court on Friday, July 3, prosecutor Rupert Jones applied for a retrial. The defendants spoke only to confirm their identities via video-link. High Court judge Mr Justice Wall granted bail on the same terms and set the retrial to start on March 8, 2027, or shortly thereafter, with an expected duration of about five days. A court venue has yet to be finalised.
