Four Defendants Plead Not Guilty to £1.2 Million Factory Damage
Four individuals accused of causing more than £1.2 million in damage to a Wolverhampton factory allegedly linked to Israel have appeared in court and entered not guilty pleas. The case involves significant destruction at the Moog Aircraft Group facility located at the i54 business park in Pendeford.
Details of the Alleged Incident
Prosecutors state that the defendants—Iain Evans, 32, Hisham Alkhamesi, 23, Bea Sherman, 23, and Hana Yun Stevens, 23—allegedly carried out a planned attack on the factory in the early hours of August 26, 2025. According to authorities, members of a group identified online as Palestinian Martyrs breached the factory premises at approximately 3:50 AM.
A social media video reportedly shows the group ramming through gates with a four-wheel drive vehicle, releasing a red flare, and using a ladder to access the roof. The manufacturer was allegedly targeted because it supplies equipment fitted on F-35 fighter jets used by the Israeli government in Gaza.
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions
The defendants appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday, February 27, via video link from custody. Each pleaded not guilty to a single count of criminal damage. Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb granted all four defendants bail under stringent conditions, including a £10,000 surety.
Staffordshire Police previously reported that the incident caused significant damage to skylights and solar panels at the factory. The estimated total damage exceeds £1.2 million.
Upcoming Trial and Defendant Information
The four defendants are scheduled to face a three-week trial at Birmingham Crown Court before a High Court judge, commencing on June 8. The defendants reside in various locations across England:
- Iain Evans from Shipley, West Yorkshire
- Hisham Alkhamesi from Hinckley, Lincolnshire
- Bea Sherman from Hassocks, West Sussex
- Hana Yun Stevens from south-west London
This case highlights ongoing tensions and legal actions surrounding protests linked to international conflicts, with substantial property damage and serious criminal charges involved.
