Five people charged over Staffordshire factory protest
Five people have been charged in connection with a rooftop protest at a factory in Lichfield.
Protesters descended on the UAV Engines site in Shenstone on Monday morning, calling for the firm to be shut down over claims it is involved in manufacturing parts for drones used by the Israeli military against Palestinians.
Over the course of three days demonstrators forced the plant to temporarily close after they allegedly, blocked entrances, climbed onto a roof and poured paint over the front of the building.
Staffordshire Police brought the protest to an end on Thursday after making eight arrests.
Huda Ammori, aged 26, and James Barnard, 47 – both of Mattison Road, London - along with 33-year-old Caroline Brouard of Godwin Road, London, 50-year-old Nicola Deane of High Road, Harleston, and 40-year-old Robin Refalu, of no fixed address, have all been charged with criminal damage to property over £5,000, aggravated trespass and using violence or intimidation to stop people going about their lawful work.
They have all been remanded in custody ahead of appearing at Newcastle Magistrates Court via video link.
UAV Engines, which is owned by Israeli firm Elbit Systems, has been targeted on a number of occasions over the years.
