Woman 'targeted' McDonald's and BBC, trial hears

A woman accused of explosives offences carried out a series of "targeted" attacks on businesses at night and left behind posters raising Palestinian issues, a court heard.

Martha Goddard, 50, targeted McDonald's, Starbucks and a BBC office in and around Norwich during 2025, prosecutor Fiona Robertson told a trial at Woolwich Crown Court earlier.

Robertson said evidence showed that Goddard had cycled for about an hour from her home in Sarah Williman Close, Norwich, to attack a transmission mast used by the BBC.

Goddard denies 16 offences, which include intending to cause explosions, criminal damage and making an explosive substance.

Jurors were told that attacks appeared to be "in support" of Palestine and Palestinians.

Robertson said Goddard damaged property using a material called Thermite and left behind posters raising issues about Palestine, Gaza and the West Bank.

She told jurors that more than £1m worth of damage was caused to the transmission mast in Tacolneston, Norfolk.

Police based in Norfolk and London had been involved in the investigation, the jury heard.

"Between 3 March last year and 28 September a series of targeted attacks were carried out in and around Norwich," Robertson told jurors.

"The prosecution case is that the same person was responsible for each of these attacks, which were strikingly similar."

She said police found evidence at Goddard's home, including a "confession" on a computer and that jurors could be "sure" that Goddard was the culprit.

She said Goddard had replied "no comment" when interviewed by police.

Robertson said a figure dressed in dark clothing and carrying a "distinctive" tote bag had been recorded on CCTV.

Objects left at the targeted premises, which were businesses assumed to have links to Israel, had ignited and "burned brightly", Robertson said.

Posters had been left on the windows of premises, with one carrying a message: "Broadcast Gaza medics in fear, you cowards."

Robertson suggested that may have been a "challenge" to the BBC.

Another poster called for bombing in Gaza to stop, another called for the release of a doctor called Hussam Abu Safiya, and another called for the lifting of a blockage on the West Bank.

Robertson said CCTV evidence indicated that Goddard had cycled from Norwich to attack the transmission mast.

She has also been accused of attacks on two Starbucks cafes in Norwich, a McDonald's and Norwich's Millennium Library, which is part of The Forum building that also houses the BBC's regional headquarters.

A judge overseeing the trial, which began on Monday and is due to last two weeks, told jurors to make decisions based on evidence they heard.

"No decisions based on your own personal opinions," said Mrs Justice McGowan

"Whatever you may think of Palestine. Whatever you may think of McDonald's," she said.

Jurors were asked whether they had links to McDonald's, Starbucks or the BBC before being sworn.

The trial continues.

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