Man Denies 'Cowardly' Murder Of Labour MP Jo Cox

Man Denies 'Cowardly' Murder Of Labour MP Jo Cox

The trial of a far-right extremist accused of murdering MP Jo Cox in a "cowardly" attack days before the EU referendum campaign will continue today.

Gardener Thomas Mair, 53, allegedly repeatedly shot and stabbed the 41-year-old Labour politician outside her constituency surgery in Birstall, near Leeds, on June 16.

Opening his Old Bailey trial on Monday, Richard Whittam QC told jurors how mother-of-two Mrs Cox had supported the Remain campaign leading up to the referendum on June 23.

On the afternoon of Thursday June 16 2016, she was to hold a surgery in the library in Market Street, having visited a local school and a care home.

As she arrived, Mair launched his "cowardly" gun and knife attack, Mr Whittam said.

Mrs Cox was shot three times and suffered 15 stab wounds, jurors were told.

Mair was allegedly heard by a number of witnesses to shout repeatedly "Britain First", the court heard.

He was arrested later, a mile from the scene.

Mair denies Mrs Cox's murder, possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and possession of an offensive weapon - a dagger.

Mair also pleads not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Bernard Carter-Kenny on the same date.

The trial, which is due to last up to three weeks, continues.