Terrorism: Man denies encouraging acts of terror in mosque speech

A man has pleaded not guilty to encouraging terrorism in a speech at a Brighton mosque.

Abubaker Deghayes, 53, of Saltdean, East Sussex, allegedly made statements to those present for evening prayers on November 1 last year.

It is claimed that at the time he “intended or was reckless as to whether members of the public would be directly or indirectly encouraged to commit, prepare or instigate acts of terrorism”.

On Friday, he pleaded not guilty to the charge during a hearing at the Old Bailey before Judge Nigel Lickley QC.

The defendant was granted continued conditional bail ahead of a seven-day trial which is due to begin on January 10 next year.

A further hearing in the case was set for December 20.