Protestor to stand trial over torched police van in Leeds city centre
A man accused of setting fire to a police van during a city-centre demonstration will stand trial this spring.
Hakam Ghaith has been held on remand since his arrest on November 1 last year during the pro-Palestine gathering.
The 29-year-old appeared at Leeds Crown Court this week via a video link from HMP Leeds where he formally entered not-guilty pleas to offences of arson, reckless as to whether life was endangered, and criminal damage.
A trial date has now been set for April 28. Ghaith, of Sandhurst Terrace, Harehills, was remanded back into custody.
The charge relates to an incident which occurred in Leeds city centre on Saturday afternoon, November 1.
Emergency crews were called to Calverley Street at 2.33pm as the van blaze was started.
Calverley Street was cordoned off between Great George Street and The Headrow, where the demonstration had been taking place that was thought to be in support of Palestine.
A witness who came across the scene said that there was a “huge police presence” of around 20 officers.
Fire crews extinguished the blaze and a man was arrested, police reported at the time.