William Howitt: Man in court accused of book shop terror plot
- Published
Mr Howitt appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday
A former British soldier has appeared in court accused of an extreme far-right terror plot to burn down a book shop.
William Howitt, of West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, appeared at the Old Bailey in London charged with preparation of terrorist acts.
The 26-year-old is accused of writing a plan for the arson attack and equipping himself with a glass hammer.
The alleged plot was uncovered by counter-terrorism police.
Mr Howitt, who has worked in construction since leaving the military, appeared by video link at the preliminary hearing.
It is alleged he "wrote a plan for conducting an arson attack and equipped himself with a glass hammer and tarpaulin with a view to carrying out an arson attack".
The target was said to be a left-wing bookshop in Nottingham.
Mr Justice Jeremy Baker transferred the case to Birmingham Crown Court and said a plea hearing would take place on 14 July with a provisional trial start date of 30 October
The defendant was remanded into custody.
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