Six in court accused of drone factory break-in

Six people accused of breaking into a drone factory owned by Elbit Systems in Leicester have appeared in court.

The three men and three women allegedly used a van to smash into subsidiary firm UAV Tactical Systems in Braunstone on 24 April.

The defendants were charged with burglary with intent to commit damage and causing criminal damage over £5,000.

Outlining the allegations during a hearing at the Old Bailey in London on Friday, prosecutor Ben Lloyd said a vehicle and power tools used in the alleged break-in caused "significant" damage to the exterior of the factory, with further damage caused by the spraying of red paint and smashing through ceiling tiles.

A video posted on social media afterwards claimed a group called People Against Genocide was responsible for the damage, the court heard.

Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb set a plea hearing for 7 August and a provisional trial from 17 May 2027 at Leicester Crown Court.

Those charged are Peter Jones, 41, of Alderfen Way in Hoveton, Norwich, Michael Sackur, 28, of Maltings Place in Reading, Megan Kennard, 25, of Fircroft Avenue in Lancing, West Sussex, Seirol Davies, 31, of Godwin Road in Margate, Kent; Rhae Rivers, 39, of Godwin Road in Margate, Kent; and Hal Hockney, 27, of Alkham Road in Hackney, London.

Two of the defendants, Sackur and Davies, appeared in court by video link from custody with the co-accused on conditional bail and appearing in the dock.

The defendants indicated they would plead not guilty to the charges against them.

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