Man in court over threat to behead Ukip candidate

From the Chronicle and the Northern Echo

A MAN has appeared in court charged with threatening to behead a Ukip election candidate for Newcastle East.

Aftab Ahmed, 45, is accused of making the threat to kill on the phone to David Robinson-Young during a conversation about the Middle East. 

The 44-year-old, of Winchcombe Place in Heaton, pleaded not guilty at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on Thursday and will return to the dock on July 3.

In a short hearing before district judge Gary Garland, Ahmed – dressed in a black jacket, dark jeans, black shoes, glasses and a white shirt buttoned up to the collar, but no tie – spoke to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

Solicitor Kieran O’Neill said his client denied any threats to kill had been made. Ahmed was bailed until his trial with the condition not to contact Mr Robinson-Young.