Guantanamo Briton Moazzam Begg faces seven-month wait for hearing on Syria charges

Former Guantanamo Bay prisoner Moazzam Begg (Reuters)

Former Guantanamo Bay detainee Moazzam Begg has appeared at the Old Bailey on terrorism charges relating to the civil war in Syria.

Begg, 45, of Boden Road, Hall Green, Birmingham, appeared via videolink from Belmarsh prison in south east London wearing a dark jumper and trousers. He spoke only to confirm his name.

Mr Justice Sweeney set a provisional trial date at the Old Bailey for 6 October after a plea hearing takes place on 18 July.

The defendant denies providing terrorist training and funding terrorism overseas.

It is alleged that between 14 July and 8 August 2013 he became concerned in an arrangement as a result of which money or other property was to be made available to another person, knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect that it would be or might be used for the purposes of terrorism

He is also accused of providing instruction or training between 9 October 2012 and 9 April 2013 knowing the person receiving it intended to use the skills for or in connection with  preparation of acts of terrorism.