Two Ukrainian men have denied plotting arson attacks on property linked to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Labour). Roman Lavrynovych, 21, and Petro Pochynok, 35, pleaded not guilty to conspiracy charges at the Old Bailey on Friday.
The pair appeared alongside Romanian national Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, who has not yet entered his plea to the same charge. All three defendants are accused of targeting two properties and a car in a coordinated series of attacks between April and May this year.
Details of alleged attacks
Three separate incidents form the basis of the charges against the men. A car was set alight in Kentish Town, north London, on May 8, followed by a fire at the front door of converted flats in Islington on May 11.
The most significant incident occurred in the early hours of May 12 at Sir Keir Starmer's former home in Kentish Town. The Prime Minister had lived at the property before moving into Downing Street after the general election.
Court proceedings
The defendants appeared by videolink from Belmarsh prison before Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb. The prosecution confirmed the case was not being treated as having a terrorist connection.
Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb described the circumstances of the alleged offences as "somewhat opaque". She added: "Plainly they are co-ordinated and must have some motive or purpose behind them."
Next steps
All three defendants have been remanded in custody ahead of their trial. A provisional trial date has been set for April 27 next year before a High Court judge.
A further hearing in the case is scheduled for November 28. Lavrynovych, from Lewisham, Carpiuc, from Romford, and Pochynok, from Islington, were all assisted by interpreters during the proceedings.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
