The man accused of murdering British MP Jo Cox made a brief appearance via videolink at London’s Old Bailey criminal court today, speaking only to confirm his name.
Thomas Mair, 52, from Birstall, West Yorkshire, was remanded in custody having made no application for bail. He will appear before Mr Justice Saunders at the Old Bailey on Thursday for a pre-trial hearing under terrorism-related protocols.
Terrorism protocol cases are managed by senior judges, usually sitting at the Old Bailey.
At an initial hearing in a lower court on Saturday, Mr. Mair said his name was “death to traitors, freedom for Britain”. However, at today’s hearing, asked if he was Thomas Mair, he said “yes I am”.
Mr. Mair has been charged with the murder of Jo Cox. He is also charged with grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence, and possession of an offensive weapon.
The killing of Mrs. Cox — a 41-year-old mother of two young children shot and stabbed in the street in her Batley and Spen constituency in northern England last Thursday — has shocked Britain and elicited condolences from leaders around the world.
Reuters contributed to this report.