Alex Armstrong blasts Zack Polanski over claim pro-Palestine activist who broke police officer’s spine should avoid jail

Corner struck Sgt Kate Evans with a seven-pound sledgehammer while she was attempting to make an arrest, leaving her with a fractured spine.

Corner was convicted of both grievous bodily harm and criminal damage following the August 2024 break-in at an Elbit Systems factory near Bristol.

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Three fellow activists – Charlotte Head, 30, Leona Kamio, 30, and Fatema Rajwani, 21 – were also found guilty of criminal damage after the group caused an estimated £1.2 million worth of destruction at the Israel-based defence firm’s premises.

Head and Kamio each received five-year sentences, while Rajwani was given four years and eight months.

Mr Justice Johnson ruled that all four offences carried a terrorist connection, marking what is believed to be a legal first in the UK.

On X, Mr Polanski stated: “Gut-wrenching to see four young people jailed for direct action against an arms supplier to Israel.

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“Years in prison for protesting to save lives in Gaza, with ‘terrorism’ used despite no jury convicting them of it. A truly dangerous attack on the right to protest.”

GB News fan-favourite Alex Armstrong was one of thousands who reacted to the Green leader’s X post.

“‘Gut wrenching’. These 4 terrorist group supporting thugs smashed a woman’s spine in with a sledgehammer, drove a van into a building and violently destroyed property,” he fumed.

“This post from @ZackPolanski should tell you everything you need to know about him and his dangerous politics,” Alex signed off. (sic)

And he wasn’t the only People’s Channel alum gobsmacked by Mr Polanski’s comments, with Patrick Christys replying to the post: “One of them smashed a police officer’s spine with a hammer.”

Elsewhere, former Greens’ Deputy Leader Sharar Ali hit out: “Zack, the right to protest does not include taking a sledgehammer to the spine of a police officer without legal consequence or repercussion.

“Greens should get behind the judge to deter direct action activists intent on violent tactics. The end doesn’t justify the means etc.”

And Tory leader Kemi Badenoch similarly disagreed: “These thugs fractured the spine of Sgt Kate Evans, who spoke in court of the medical and emotional trauma she still lives with.

“Prison is where they belong. Unlike Zack Polanski, I want serious consequences for anyone who attacks police officers risking their lives to protect us.”

Mr Polanski has responded to the outpour of criticism, doubling down on his stance and rebutting Ms Badenoch’s response, specifically.

In another X post, he penned: “I’d never condone violence against a police officer – this is utterly dishonest.

“The jury weren’t judging them on a terrorism offence. This is an awful sleight of hand. The creeping encroachment of terror laws onto protest & removal of our juries should worry all of us.” (sic)

These thugs fractured the spine of Sgt Kate Evans, who spoke in court of the medical and emotional trauma she still lives with.
Prison is where they belong.
Unlike Zack Polanski, I want serious consequences for anyone who attacks police officers risking their lives to protect us. https://t.co/QMH5ypJ1D7

— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) June 13, 2026

When it came to the sentencing, the judge determined the activists had sought to influence government policy and intimidate the company to advance their cause. As a consequence, none will qualify for early release provisions.

Sgt Evans delivered an emotional victim impact statement to the court, holding back tears as she described the lasting consequences of the attack.

She revealed she continues to receive medical treatment and has been compelled to give up her rank as a result of her injuries.

Avon & Somerset Police Chief Constable Sarah Crew also issued a statement following the sentencing, emphasising the human cost of the violence.

“Gut wrenching”

These 4 terrorist group supporting thugs smashed a woman’s spine in with a sledgehammer, drove a van into a building and violently destroyed property.

This post from @ZackPolanski should tell you everything you need to know about him and his dangerous politics. https://t.co/1XsjPhVwuA

— Alex Armstrong (@Alexarmstrong) June 12, 2026

“What happened that night changed the life of one of our officers,” she said. “For Sergeant Evans, this has been deeply personal, painful, and lasting.”

She urged the public to recognise that “behind every uniform is an ordinary person” with family and responsibilities beyond their duties.

Meanwhile, the Police Federation of England and Wales also condemned Mr Polanski’s response, with general secretary Tiffany Lynch and Avon & Somerset branch chair Tom Gent signing a joint letter criticising the Green leader for not acknowledging the injured officer’s suffering.

“That omission matters,” they wrote.