A woman charged by counter-terrorism detectives over alleged expressions of support for Hamas has appeared in court to deny seven charges against her.
Sarah Wilkinson appeared in the dock at Birmingham Crown Court on Wednesday.
The 63-year-old, from Bishop’s Castle in Shropshire, pleaded not guilty to two counts of encouragement of terrorism by posting statements on her X social media account in March 2024; two counts of expressing an opinion or belief that was supportive of a proscribed organisation, namely Hamas; and one count of failing to comply with a Section 49 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 to supply her mobile phone pin in November 2024.
She also denied two counts of disseminating a terrorist publication by sharing videos on her X account in May 2024.
Wilkinson, who complained she was struggling to hear proceedings during the 15-minute hearing, sat with her hands to her ears as she used a hearing loop device in the dock.
Judge Andrew Smith KC told the defendant, who is on bail, that she would face a trial in January next year.
He said: “Would you be so kind as to stand up please, Ms Wilkinson.
“Your trial, as you know, will begin on the 4th January next year. I have made a number of directions to ensure your trial will start as planned.
“Some will require your engagement with your lawyers on a continuous basis.
“You will recognise it is in your interest to co-operate with your solicitors.
“You will have your bail on the same terms as before. If you are not present at your trial, it can carry on without you.”
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