The man accused of the terror-related murder of Labour MP Jo Cox will stand trial at the Old Bailey later today.
Thomas Mair, 53, allegedly shot and stabbed the 41-year-old outside her constituency surgery in Birstall, near Leeds, Yorkshire on June 16.
He is charged with Cox’s murder, possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and possession of an offensive weapon - a dagger.
Mair, also known as Tommy, lived in a small semi-detached house on Lowood Lane, Birstall, West Yorkshire, and is said to have been in the Leeds area for “30 to 40 years”.
He is also charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Bernard Carter-Kenny on the same date.
At a hearing last month, not guilty pleas were entered on all the charges.
The trial is being heard by senior judge Mr Justice Wilkie and is expected to go on for up to three weeks.
A panel of jurors will be selected and sworn in before prosecutor Richard Whittam QC opens the case.
Cox’s death shocked the nation and led to calls for political rhetoric to be more measured.