Case brought after activists targeted weapons factory

Scottish comedian Susan Riddell has been charged with terrorist offences after a Ford Transit van was driven into the perimeter fence of a weapons factory in Edinburgh

The offices of Italian firm Leonardo’s was targeted last week by activists protesting its supplies to Israel, with white paint also thrown over its windows.

Glasgow-based Riddell, 42, is accused of committing malicious mischief and dangerous driving, both aggravated by having a terrorist connection.

Two other women Allegra Fitzherbert, 34, from London, and Naomi Stubbs-Gorman, 31, from Glasgow, face the same malicious mischief charge. All three appeared at Edinburgh sheriff court yesterday but did not enter pleas. 

Around 100 pro-Palestinian protestors gathered outside the court to show their support. 

After the hearing, fellow comic Amanda Dwyer, who co-hosts the Material Girl podcast with Riddell, posted on Instagram: ‘She’s home.

‘Susan would like to thank every single person that showed up for her today or shared posts and messages of support. She is very touched by it all and couldn’t believe it when I showed her.’

Riddell appeared in the BBC comedy Scot Squad and is due to debut her latest stand-up show, How Do You Sleep at Night?,  at the Edinburgh Fringe  next week.

Riddell and Fitzherbert were released on bail, with no date yet set for their next court appearance. Stubbs-Gorman will have to return to court tomorrowafter her bail application was continued for 24 hours.

A  spokesperson for Leonardo – which is part-owned by the Italian state – told The Scotsman: ‘Leonardo UK is subject to UK government export controls and does not supply equipment direct to Israel.

‘The right to peaceful protest is an important principle in our society, however, aggressive and violent activity should have no place in protest. The intimidation of our people, who work hard to support the security and defence of the UK, is not acceptable.’

Palestinian Action says the company makes parts for Apache helicopters and targeting systems for F-35 fighter jets, which have been used by Israel to drop 2,000lb bombs on Gaza.

The Edinburgh plant has been targeted by protesters before. In December, Palestine Action blockaded the factory and last May they cut internet wires and daubed paint on the premises.

Earlier this month, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper controversially proscribed the group as a terrorist organisation, despite an  intelligence assessment which found the vast majority of its activities were lawful.

Published: 22 Jul 2025