Man charged with murder of British legislator Jo Cox denied bail hearing

The man charged with the murder of British member of parliament Jo Cox did not ask for a bail hearing when he appeared before a judge at the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales — commonly known as the Old Bailey — on Monday.

Thomas Mair, 52, appeared via prison video link from the high-security prison at Belmarsh, east London, to allow him to apply for a bail hearing.

When asked to confirm he was Mair, he replied firmly "yes, I am."

His lawyers made no application for bail, and he was remanded in custody until his next appearance at the Old Bailey on Thursday.

Cox, a 41-year-old mother of two who became a Labour member of parliament in 2015, was stabbed and shot outside her constituency surgery in Yorkshire last Thursday, and 77-year-old Bernard Kenny is recovering in hospital after he suffered a stab wound to the abdomen while attempting to defend her.

Police said on Saturday morning they had formally charged Thomas Mair, 52, with murder, possession of an offensive weapon, possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence, and grievous bodily harm.

Mair's preliminary hearing was held at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London later that day, and gave his name as “death to traitors, freedom for Britain” during proceedings. His lawyer provided the court with his legal name and address.

EU referendum campaigning resumed on Sunday, ending a two-day suspension agreed by Prime Minister David Cameron and campaigners for the 'Leave' campaign following Cox's murder.

Cox - an avid advocate for refugee and human rights - was active on the "Remain" campaign trail prior to her death. Witnesses said her assailant shouted the name of a right-wing anti-immigration group during the attack.

On Monday, Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow recalled Parliament — which had been in recess due to the referendum campaign — to allow MPs to pay tribute to their late colleague. MPs were granted permission to sit across the benches in a show of unity between political parties.

To contact the reporter: angus@mail.chinadailyuk.com