Defence of man charged with Jo Cox murder will 'not rely on medical evidence'

A barrister representing the man accused of murdering the MP Jo Cox has told the Old Bailey his defence would not be relying on medical evidence.

Thomas Mair, 53, was unable to appear via video link from top security Belmarsh jail because of technical issues.

He is charged with murdering Mrs Cox, 41, outside her constituency office in Birstall in June. 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.

Prosecutor Tom Little said during a hearing at the Old Bailey that the main issue in the trial will be "factual".

"The prosecution understand that the issues will be factual, or appear to beat this stage," he added.

Cairns Nelson, defending, confirmed that the defendant has been assessed by doctors and that medical evidence would not form part of the defence.

Mair, from Birstall, is being held in custody. His case is being handled underthe "terrorism protocol" as part of a terror list before Mr Justice Saunders.

He is next due at the Old Bailey on October 4th for a plea hearing and will stand trial in November.