A MAN accused of stalking the Member of Parliament for Taunton is set for a five-day trial next year.

Maurice Kirk, 75, of Westgate Street, Taunton, appeared before Exeter Crown Court on Wednesday, August 5, for an update on the charges against him.

The proceedings are in relation to incidents which took place between May 1 2019 and May 28 this year, involving the MP for Taunton Deane, Rebecca Pow.

Mr Kirk is set to appear before Exeter Crown Court for a five-day trial, scheduled for May next year.

Somerset County Gazette:

Originally he was charged with two counts of a hoax involving a noxious substance, and one count of stalking involving serious alarm and distress.

However, the charges involving the hoax involving a noxious substance, said to be a letter containing 'white powder', have been dropped.

He is next set to appear in court on December 18, with a trial start date scheduled for May 10, 2021.