A man accused of setting a police van on fire in broad daylight is set to go on trial next year.
Hakam Ghaith, 29, of Sandhurst Terrace in Leeds, is charged with arson and criminal damage in relation to the incident in Leeds city centre on 1 November.
Mr Gaith’s barrister, Khadim Al Hassan, told Leeds Crown Court his client was due to see a psychiatrist later this month to determine whether he is fit to enter a plea. A hearing will take place on 26 January to determine if the trial will go ahead.
Judge Simon Batiste set a trial date for 28 April 2026 and remanded Mr Ghaith, who spoke through an Arabic interpreter, into custody. The trial is expected to last between two and three days.
