November trial for Jo Cox murder accused

The man accused of the terror-related murder of Labour MP Jo Cox will go on trial in the autumn.

The Batley and Spen MP, aged 41, was shot and stabbed outside her constituency surgery, in Birstall, West Yorkshire, last Thursday.

Thomas Mair, 52, is charged with murder, grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and possession of an offensive weapon.

Mair, whose case is being handled under the “terrorism protocol”, appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from top security Belmarsh jail, and spoke only to confirm his name.

Throughout the hearing, Mair sat with his head bowed, taking notes, and made no reaction as his lawyer Cairns Nelson QC discussed his case with prosecutor Mark Dawson and the judge.

Judge John Saunders said his trial, which is being handled under terrorism protocols, would start on November 14 and would be led by a High Court judge. Mair is due to enter a plea on October 4.

Agencies/Canadajournal