Judge Dismisses Case Against Pro-Palestine Protester Arrested At James Cropper PLC

A judge at Barrow Magistrates court quickly dismissed the case of alleged obstruction and resisting arrest brought by police against a pro-Palestinian protester, this morning (Tuesday 8th July 2025).

According to a report in the Westmorland Gazette on 10th April 2025, "Police arrested two men during the pro-Palestine protest at James Cropper PLC in Burneside on Wednesday, April 9". Reporter, Darren Shield noted that, "The protest involved 35 activists, some brandishing banners emblazoned with ‘Genocide Made in Burneside", and that "James Cropper Advanced Materials supplies parts for military aircraft including Israel’s F-35 fighter planes."

Subsequently, the police did not proceed with any action against the first man they arrested, but instead charged Oliver Mulcahy with obstructing a police officer and resisting arrest. On 1st May, Oliver pleaded not guilty and magistrates sitting at Barrow set the case for trial on 8 July - the police were ordered to disclose their evidence in good time.

The police then failed to do this and today applied for an adjournment. HHJ Harney dismissed the application, saying; “It is not just unsatisfactory but unacceptable for the Crown to be scrabbling at this very late stage to correct issues that should have been dealt with 6-8 weeks ago”. The prosecution lawyer then offered no evidence, the charges were dismissed and the CPS were ordered to pay the defendant’s legal costs.

Oliver emerged into the Barrovian sunshine to join fellow protesters in celebration and chants of "Free, Free Palestine".

Oliver said: "With the crackdown on protest we are experiencing, it was great to hear the judge dismiss my case. The place where I protested, James Cropper PLC, produces parts for Israel's F-35s, and Croppers, along with arms companies like BAE Systems are the ones facilitating war crimes in Gaza. Yet, in April, it was someone protesting their complicity who was arrested and subsequently forced to appear in court. Thankfully, the dismissal of the case today shows that it is still possible, through peaceful protest and direct action, to expose the Government's hypocrisy, and shine a light on the real criminals."