The Brize Norton trial: what to expect at Woolwich Crown Court

The six accused all face the same two conspiracy charges, and this is the first time the National Security Act 2023 (NSA) has been used against a domestic protest group.

#Who is on trial?

The six accused are Amu Gib, Jon Cink, Daniel Jeronymides-Norie, Lewie Chiaramello (reported in the press as Lewis Chiaramello), Muhammad Umer Khalid and Lara Downes. The first five were charged in 2025 and Downes in 2026. All six are held on pre-trial remand.

For the charging dates, see the 5 to 6 article. For each accused, see profiles of the accused.

#What are the two charges?

Both charges are conspiracies. A conspiracy is an agreement with others to commit an offence, so the prosecution does not have to prove that each accused personally caused any damage.

1. Conspiracy to commit criminal damage. This charge concerns agreeing with others to damage property. It is brought under the Criminal Damage Act 1971.
2. Conspiracy to enter a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of the UK. A prohibited place is a protected site, such as a military base. The offence uses the wording of section 4 of the NSA, which replaced the old offence in section 1 of the Official Secrets Act 1911. No foreign state, foreign power or foreign interference needs to be proven. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 14 years.

These descriptions come from press reports of the court hearings, not from the indictment.

#What is the 'terrorist connection' allegation?

The prosecution says the offences have a 'terrorist connection'. This is an allegation, not a finding. If any accused is convicted, a judge would decide the question at sentencing.

The Filton case shows how this works. On 12 June 2026, Mr Justice Johnson ruled that the offences had a 'terrorist connection'. Four people were convicted of criminal damage, and one of them was also convicted of a grievous bodily harm offence without intent. Their sentences ranged from 5 years 8 months to 8 years 8 months. Novara Media reported that the jury was not told the connection was possible until after its verdict. A full explainer covers the Filton sentences.

#What happens before the trial?

The trial is due before Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb, the judge handling the case. Some earlier press reports gave 18 January 2027 at the Old Bailey, but the trial is scheduled for 25 January 2027 at Woolwich Crown Court.

The first five accused will have spent about 18 months in prison by the time the trial begins, without a conviction. For their remand and the hunger strike, see the prisoners article.

The Supreme Court heard the appeal against the ban on Palestine Action on 4 and 5 November 2026. The ban and the case and the case timeline give the background.