Jo Cox MP death: Accused to face trial in the autumn

Jo Cox was shot and stabbed outside her constituency surgery. Credit: ITV News

The man accused of killing 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.

A court sketch of Thomas Mair at a previous hearing. Credit: Elizabeth Cook/PA

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.

Mr Justice Saunders set a provisional timetable with a trial fixed to start on November 14. It will be heard before a High Court judge and is likely to be at the Old Bailey.

A plea hearing is due to take place on October 4.