Hamza 'refuses court appearance'

Abu Hamza has been held in Belmarsh prison since May

Muslim cleric Abu Hamza has failed to appear on a video link to the Old Bailey - where he was due to face 16 charges, including soliciting murder.

A prosecuting lawyer said Mr Abu Hamza had claimed he was "unable to walk" because his toenails were too long.

Judge Beaumont remanded him into custody and ordered that a trial, if there is one, takes place on 4 July.

Mr Abu Hamza, 47, who denies any involvement in terrorism, has been held at Belmarsh prison since May 2004.

Mr Abu Hamza should have appeared on video link from a special room at the south London prison.

But a prison officer told Judge Peter Beaumont, barristers and police that he would not leave his cell.

'Long-standing problem'

"He is refusing to come over here," the officer said.

"He is being checked over by medical staff. He is saying he is unable to walk."

Paul Hynes, defending, said Mr Abu Hamza was suffering from "a long-standing problem", and had been "perambulating around the prison barefoot for the last couple of days".

The defence was not ready to enter pleas, he added.

Adina Ezekiel, prosecuting, said he had "some concerns", and asked for Mr Abu Hamza to appear in court for future hearings.

The judge asked for a medical report on Mr Abu Hamza and said future hearings might have to be held at Woolwich Crown Court, nearer Belmarsh Prison.

Terrorism Act

Ten of the charges faced by Mr Abu Hamza allege he solicited people at meetings to murder non-Muslims, including Jews.

A further four allege he used "threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with the intention of stirring up racial hatred".

He is also charged with possessing eight video and audio recordings intended to encourage racial hatred.

A final charge under the Terrorism Act alleges he was in possession of a document that contained information "likely to be useful" to someone who was plotting an act of terrorism.