THE alleged leader of right-wing terror group National Action has made his first crown court appearance at the Old Bailey accused of giving the green light for the machete murder of Labour MP Rosie Cooper. Others who also appeared included Christopher Lythgoe, 31, of Greymist Avenue, Woolston, Warrington, who is accused of encouraging the machete murder of West Lancashire Labour MP Rosie Cooper. A 22-year-old man from Lancashire, who cannot be named for legal reasons, who is charged with intending to commit acts of terrorism contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006 also appeared. The charge states that he bought a 'Gladius Machete' for the purpose of murdering West Lancashire MP Ms Cooper between June 5 and July 3. He is also accused of making threats to kill a female police officer on July 1. Lythgoe, 31, is charged with encouraging the 22-year-old to commit murder and both men are also charged with being members of National Action. Also Garron Helm, 24, Gladstone Road, Seaforth; Andrew Clarke, 33, of Marsh House Lane, Paddington, Warrington and Michael Trubini, 35, Dutton Court, Warrington also appeared at the Old Bailey accused of continuing to be members of National Action after the group was banned under UK law on December 16. National Action became the first extreme right-wing group to be banned under terrorism laws in December 2016. No pleas were entered during the hearing but a trial date has been earmarked for June 11 at the Old Bailey.
Six alleged members of banned neo-Nazi group National Action appear before the Central Criminal Court. Two, including the group's alleged leader, are charged with plotting the terrorist murder of MP Rosie Cooper.