A jury heard that Martha Goddard, 50, was seen on CCTV cycling with three others toward the Tacolneston transmitting station shortly before it was damaged, in a case prosecutors say caused about £1m of damage. Goddard denies 16 offences, including intending to cause explosions and making an explosive substance. Defence lawyers highlighted group chats linked to the Norwich Stop The War Coalition and questioned why others were not treated as suspects. Police said another arrested woman was released without charge and that no further thermite arson occurred after Goddard’s arrest; the trial continues.
Jury Shown CCTV of Woman Cycling With Three Others Before Tacolneston TV Mast Attack
The prosecutor suggested Martha Goddard attacked the Tacolneston transmitter after cycling from her home in Norwich [Martin Giles/BBC]
A jury at Woolwich Crown Court heard that Martha Goddard, 50, was joined by three other cyclists on an early-morning, one-hour ride towards the Tacolneston transmitting station shortly before it was damaged, in an incident prosecutors say caused about £1m of damage.
Goddard, of Sarah Williman Close in Norwich, denies 16 offences, including attempting to cause explosions, criminal damage and making an explosive substance. Prosecutors say the alleged attacks were part of a series of incidents targeting local businesses and the Forum building, which houses the BBC's regional offices.
The trial at Woolwich Crown Court is expected to end in late July [Brian Farmer/BBC]
On Thursday, jurors were shown CCTV footage that prosecutors say shows a woman believed to be Goddard cycling with three others toward the Tacolneston transmitter, which broadcasts digital television and radio. The prosecution alleges the transmitter was damaged on 28 September.
Defence Questions Other Suspects And Group Chats
During cross-examination, defence counsel Rabah Kherbane suggested the group of cyclists sometimes waited for one another during the ride. He also questioned why other people were not treated as suspects, pointing to material recovered from Goddard’s phone showing participation in group chats organised by the Norwich Stop The War Coalition.
The Forum in Norwich, which also houses the BBC's regional headquarters, was targeted in the attacks [BBC]
The defence said messages in those chats contained themes similar to views attributed to Goddard, including criticism that the BBC was "biased" and engaged in "irresponsible journalism." The lead investigating officer confirmed another woman was arrested and her home searched during inquiries but was later released without charge.
Police Evidence And Trial Direction
Prosecutor Fiona Robertson asked whether officers could have treated anyone expressing pro-Palestine views as a suspect. The investigating officer told the jury it would have been "unreasonable and unethical" to do so. The officer also said that, following Goddard's arrest in September, there were no further arson incidents involving thermite — the pyrotechnic substance the prosecution alleges was used.
Goddard has declined to give evidence in her defence. Mrs Justice McGowan reminded jurors that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution but told them they could draw a negative inference from the defendant's silence if they concluded the real reason for not testifying was that she had no answer that would withstand questioning.
The trial, taking place at Woolwich Crown Court in London, is ongoing and is expected to conclude in late July.
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