A FATHER and son arrested following the alleged discovery of the deadly poison ricin in a house have denied terrorism changes.

Former lorry driver and pub DJ Ian Davison, who was arrested at his home in Myrtle Grove, Burnopfield, County Durham, in June by anti-terrorist police, appeared alongside his son, Nicky, 18.

The hearing, before Judge John Milford at Newcastle Crown Court, was their first in the North-East, following previous appearances at Westminster Magistrates’ Court and at the Old Bailey, in London.

Yesterday, 41-year-old Mr Davison pleaded not guilty to preparing for acts of terrorism between January 1, 2006, and June this year.

The court was given no further details relating to the charge.

He also denied producing a chemical weapon, namely ricin, during the same period.

He denied three counts of possessing information likely to be used by a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.

The charges relate to electronic copies of documents referred to as The Anarchist Cookbook, The Kitchen Complete and Mujahadeen Explosive Handbook.

Mr Davison Sr also denied a charge of possessing a prohibited weapon, namely a spray canister capable of discharging an obnoxious liquid or gas. His son, who was arrested at his home in Grampian Way, Annfield Plain, near Stanley, County Durham, denied two counts of possessing information likely to be used by a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.

They related to an electronic copy of the Poor Man’s James Bond, which contained information about the production of explosives and improvised devices, and of The Anarchist Cookbook.

Another hearing was called for December 4 for administrative purposes.

The parties agreed to a provisional trial date of April 12, in anticipation of a hearing lasting four weeks.

Mr Davison Sr was remanded in custody, while his son’s conditional bail was extended.