Pair charged over 'white powder'

A married couple have appeared in court charged under anti-terrorism legislation brought in after the September 11 attacks in the US.

Gianni, 38, and Leisha di Blasio, 33. of Doddington Road, Wellingborough in Northamptonshire, face two joint charges of sending a substance with intent.

The counts relate to white powder sent through the post to Northamptonshire County Council at County Hall, and to the Social Services department in Wellingborough on 2 May.

The couple confirmed their identities and entered not guilty pleas when they appeared at Northampton Crown Court on Friday.

They are alleged to have sent the powder to two council employees "with intention to induce (them) to believe it was likely to contain a noxious substance and thereby create a serious risk to human health".

No date was given for their next appearance and the case was adjourned.

The charges came under the section relating to hoaxes in the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001, a Northamptonshire Crown Prosecution Services spokeswoman said.