Kent man accused of trying to steal the Magna Carta from Salisbury Cathedral will go on trial in January

Mark Royden appeared at Winchester Crown Court. Credit: PA images

A man accused of the attempted theft of a "priceless" 800-year-old version of the Magna Carta at Salisbury Cathedral will go on trial in January.

Mark Royden, from Canterbury in Kent, is accused of using a hammer to smash the protective glass box surrounding the ancient manuscript on October 25 last year. He is alleged to have been stopped by members of staff and a tourist before being arrested by police.

Judge Susan Evans QC adjourned the case for trial to be held at Salisbury Crown Court on January the 27th. He was released on bail with the condition not to enter Salisbury Cathedral or the nearby Cathedral Close.