Rochdale man among twelve charged with terror offence after Palestine protest in Manchester

Tuesday, 23 September 2025 16:16

By David Murphy

A Rochdale man is among twelve people charged under terrorism legislation following a high-profile Palestine Action protest in Manchester city centre earlier this summer.

Jonathan Coleman, 66, of Buxton Crescent, Rochdale, is one of twelve individuals facing charges under Section 13(1) of the Terrorism Act 2000.

The charges stem from a Palestine Action demonstration held in St Peter’s Square on Saturday 12 July 2025. Greater Manchester Police allege that all twelve wore or displayed items that could “arouse reasonable suspicion” they were members or supporters of a proscribed terrorist organisation. The specific group has not been confirmed by authorities.

Coleman and the other eleven accused are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Monday 10 November 2025.

The full list of those charged includes individuals from Kendal, Manchester, Bury, Calderdale, Bradford, Trafford, Lancaster, Romiley, Derby and Preston.

Police have not confirmed if any further arrests are expected or whether additional charges may follow.

Palestine Action has not publicly commented on the arrests or charges at the time of writing.

The twelve people all charged are:

Mark Arrowsmith (04/07/1963) of Spital View, Kendal.
Rebecca Craven (30/05/1958) of Thornton Road, Manchester.
Joel Instone (09/02/1990) of Greenhill Road, Bury.
George Almond (19/06/1992) of Ragley View, Calderdale.
Joseph Hesmondhalgh (27/03/1999) of Hollingwood Gate, Bradford.
Caroline Tattersall (23/01/1982) of Oldfield Grove, Trafford.
Samantha Burgess (08/03/2000) of Beech Road, Lancaster.
Jake Rigby (25/01/1978) of Pinfold Lane, Romiley.
Jonathan Coleman (10/03/1959) of Buxton Crescent, Rochdale.
Alison Bath (10/05/1973) of Glen View, Calderdale.
Alyson Lee (20/06/1958) of Park Grove, Derby.
Susan Reid (27/11/1958) of Jeffrey Avenue, Preston.

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