A SUSPECTED white supremacist appeared in court today charged with possession of the deadly poison ricin.

Former lorry driver and pub DJ Ian Davison was arrested at his home in Myrtle Grove, Burnopfield, County Durham earlier this month by anti-terrorist police, who also arrested his 18-year-old son Nicky Davison at his home in Grampian Way, Annfield Plain.

Today, the 41-year-old appeared at the Old Bailey, in London, via videolink and was remanded in custody until a hearing in October.

The judge, Mr Justice Calvert-Smith, said it was hoped Mr Davison's trial would be held at Newcastle Crown Court.

Mr Davison was charged with four offences: one charge under the Chemical Weapons Act alleged that he was in possession of ricin on his arrest; one charge under the Terrorism Act alleged he was preparing for acts of terrorism and he also faces two further charges under the same act alleging he had documents or information which could be of use to a terrorist.

Nicky Davison has already appeared in court charged with an offence under section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000, relating to the collection, making, or the possession of information which could be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism and was released on bail.

He is due back before Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday.