Prosecutors say CCTV captures a suspect cycling from Norwich to Tacolneston an hour before a blaze damaged a transmission mast, causing about £1m in damage. Martha Goddard, 50, denies 16 offences including intending to cause explosions. The alleged incidents — between 3 March and 28 September — also included fires outside BBC-linked sites, McDonald's and Starbucks in Norwich. Investigators recovered clothing and a bicycle said to match the footage; the trial continues at Woolwich Crown Court.
CCTV Shows Suspect Cycling An Hour Before £1m Damage To Tacolneston Mast, Jury Told
The prosecutor suggested Martha Goddard attacked the Tacolneston transmitter after cycling from her home in Norwich [Martin Giles/BBC]
CCTV footage shown to a jury at Woolwich Crown Court is said to capture a woman cycling for around an hour before a fire damaged a transmission mast near Tacolneston that prosecutors say caused roughly £1 million in damage.
The Allegations
Prosecutors say Martha Goddard, 50, carried out a series of targeted attacks and explosive offences in Norwich and the nearby village of Tacolneston between 3 March and 28 September last year. Goddard denies 16 offences, including intending to cause explosions, criminal damage and making an explosive substance.
The Forum in Norwich, which also houses the BBC's regional headquarters, was targeted in the attacks [BBC]
CCTV And Timeline Evidence
The jury was shown time-stamped CCTV that, according to the prosecution, shows a suspect leaving the direction of Goddard's home on Sarah Williman Close in Norwich at about 00:35 BST on 28 September and cycling toward Tacolneston. The footage reportedly shows the same person returning after 07:00.
Separate station cameras at the Tacolneston transmitting site captured a person inspecting the area between about 03:00 and 04:00. Prosecutor Fiona Robertson told the court a "strong light source" — believed to be a fire — appeared on the footage shortly before 04:30, and that by daylight at 06:28 flames were visible at the base of the mast before staff extinguished them shortly before 07:00.
The trial at Woolwich Crown Court is expected to end in late July [Brian Farmer/BBC]
Other Alleged Incidents
The prosecution says fires were also set outside several locations in Norwich, including the Forum building (home to BBC studios), McDonald’s in the Haymarket, and Starbucks branches in the Haymarket and on St Stephens Street, causing thousands of pounds of damage. Posters left at some scenes referenced Palestine, Gaza and the West Bank; one described the BBC as "cowards", the court heard.
Items Recovered
Investigating officers told jurors a reversible camouflage jacket matching the one seen on the footage was recovered from Goddard's home, along with a bicycle said to match the one captured on CCTV. These items were presented as part of the prosecution’s evidence linking the defendant to the scenes.
Court Process And Next Steps
The trial, which is expected to last around two weeks, continues at Woolwich Crown Court. As proceedings are ongoing, reporting reflects allegations made in court and the defendant’s plea of not guilty.
Note: Individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Help us improve.
