Man who allegedly set fire to police van appears in court

A man facing allegations of igniting a police van during daylight hours is expected to appear in court next year. Hakam Ghaith, 29, from Sandhurst Terrace, Leeds, has been charged with arson and criminal damage connected to the incident that occurred in Leeds city centre on 1 November.

During proceedings at Leeds Crown Court, Ghaith's lawyer, Khadim Al Hassan, informed the court that his client is scheduled to meet with a psychiatrist later this month to assess his fitness to enter a plea.

A preliminary hearing has been set for 26 January to decide whether the case will proceed to trial. Judge Simon Batiste scheduled the trial to begin on 28 April 2026 and ordered that Mr. Ghaith, who communicated through an Arabic interpreter, remain in custody. The trial is anticipated to last approximately two to three days.

Author: Sophia Brooks