A former British soldier has appeared at the Old Bailey accused of an extreme far-right terrorist plot to burn down a book shop.

William Howitt, 26, of West Bridgford, Nottingham, is charged with preparation of terrorist acts.

It is alleged that on or before March 14, 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 alleged target is said to be a left-wing bookshop in Nottingham.

The alleged plot was uncovered after defendant was stopped by counter-terrorism police at East Midlands on January 5.

On Friday, Howitt, who has worked in construction since leaving the Army, appeared by video link from custody at the Old Bailey for a preliminary hearing.

Mr Justice Jeremy Baker transferred the case to Birmingham Crown Court.

He said a plea hearing would take place on July 14 with a provisional trial from October 30.

The defendant was remanded into custody.