A former Oxford University student is accused of swinging a heavy hammer at a police officer during a protest, according to legal proceedings.

Samuel Corner, a campaigner with the group Palestine Action, faces allegations of wounding an officer at a British site operated by an Israeli defence firm.

The 23-year-old claimed he brought the hammer down to defend another demonstrator whom he thought was in danger of being seriously hurt, jurors at Woolwich Crown Court were told on Wednesday. He denied that his actions formed part of any premeditated violence against individuals during the demonstration.

Corner said he struck Police Sergeant Kate Evans with the implement after hearing shouts and believing someone was being attacked by security staff during the incident at the Elbit Systems site close to Bristol on August 6 2024.

Alongside the former Oxford student, Charlotte Head aged 30, Leona Kamio aged 30, Fatema Rajwani aged 21, Zoe Rogers aged 22, and Jordan Devlin aged 31 are also being tried, accused of criminal damage connected to the event.

Corner, who previously studied linguistics and philosophy at Oxford, also faces a further allegation of intentionally causing grievous bodily harm to Sgt Evans, which he contests.

In his account to jurors, Corner explained that the demonstration was intended to cease Elbit’s weapons manufacturing at the site.

When asked by defence lawyer Tom Wainwright about his objectives that day, he said the group aimed to damage weapons and components for weapons that they believed would be deployed to cause death and destruction.

When asked what they thought the weapons would be used for, he answered that they were meant to kill people and inflict injuries.

The court had earlier heard that Corner hit Sgt Evans in the back while she was kneeling to restrain Rogers.

Mr Wainwright asked why he brought the hammer down on the officer, to which he responded that it was for protection. He heard someone shouting and believed that individual was being seriously harmed by security personnel.

The lawyer questioned what he hoped to accomplish by swinging the hammer in that manner. He replied that it was to protect her.

He added that causing serious injury to anyone was never his intention.

The court previously heard that Sgt Evans sustained a fractured spine from the blow.

Corner told jurors that officers deployed an incapacitating spray directly at his face once they arrived at the site.

He described immediately losing his vision and being unable to open his eyes. He was fortunate enough to be able to walk away without colliding with anything, though his face was in agony.

He said those organising the demonstration had promised participants they would not need to be concerned about security guards.

The court was told that Corner joined Palestine Action in 2020 after finding footage of the group online.

Mr Wainwright asked what he understood about the nature of their activities.

Corner said he understood they would enter arms factories, occupy them, and damage weapons and other items inside.

Mr Wainwright asked whether, as far as he knew, the demonstration involved any violence towards people.

He answered no.

Jurors had previously been informed that the defendants allegedly drove a prison van into the factory shutters, with Head at the wheel, using it as a battering ram.

Once inside, they allegedly used hammers and crowbars to wreck computers, drones, and additional equipment, and splashed red paint across walls and flooring using fire extinguishers, the court was told.

The defendants reject all charges, and the case continues.