West Midlands Men Among Three Facing Charges Over £2.4 Million Damage to Israeli-Linked Company
Two men from the West Midlands have appeared in court alongside a third defendant, accused of causing an estimated £2.4 million worth of damage to a firm reportedly connected to Israel's military. The trio faced Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, April 14, following an alleged break-in at a Keysight Technologies facility in Fleet, Hampshire.
Details of the Alleged Incident
Steven Davies, aged 57 from Erdington, Ian Roberts, 51 from Wednesbury, and Dolores Gnapi, 34 from Lewisham, are charged with aggravated burglary using a hammer and criminal damage to property. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, April 12, when they allegedly smashed computer screens, servers, and other electronic equipment after entering the premises.
In addition to the destruction of equipment, walls, floors, and desks were reportedly stained with red paint sprayed from a fire extinguisher during the alleged vandalism. Roberts faces an additional charge of assaulting an emergency worker related to the case.
Company Background and Court Proceedings
Keysight Technologies produces components used in drones manufactured by Elbit Systems. Defence barrister Katie McFadden informed the court that Elbit Systems serves as the largest weapons supplier to Israel, providing context to the alleged targeting of the facility.
All three defendants were remanded in custody following their court appearance. They are scheduled to appear next at the Old Bailey on May 1 for further proceedings in this high-value damage case.
Legal Charges and Next Steps
The charges include:
- Aggravated burglary with a hammer
- Criminal damage to property valued at approximately £2.4 million
- Assault on an emergency worker (specific to Roberts)
The case represents one of the most significant alleged property damage incidents recently brought before the courts, with the substantial financial estimate highlighting the scale of the destruction reported at the Hampshire facility.
