Bristol woman denies Magna Carta shop window attack

A Bristol vicar has pleaded not guilty after allegedly trying to smash a glass case housing a priceless copy of the Magna Carta at the British Library. The Reverend Sue Parfitt, 82, also from Henbury, is a Just Stop Oil supporter and is accused of wielding a chisel while retired biology teacher Judy Bruce, 85, allegedly hit the o several times with a hammer.

The glass did not break, but it was damaged in places. Ms Bruce also denies damaging the case surrounding the priceless medieval artefact.

The two women appeared at Wood Green Crown Court in north London today, Monday, July 22. The incident happened at the British Library on May 10 this year.

READ MORE

Parfitt, of Henbury, Bristol, and Bruce, of Bishopston, Swansea, South Wales, were granted conditional discharges. Their trial, which is expected to last four days, has been set for January 13, 2026.

Want the latest Bristol breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join our WhatsApp group. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out anytime you want. If you are curious, you can read Privacy Notice.