A defendant has entered pleas of not guilty to seven terrorism encouragement charges related to social media activity.

Thomas Smith, residing in Eastbourne, attended Bristol Crown Court remotely on Friday.

The 33-year-old rejected all seven allegations against him, concerning content posted on X (previously Twitter) during November and December of the previous year.

Judge Martin Picton granted Smith conditional release and scheduled proceedings for July 13 at Bristol Crown Court.

Diana Wilson handled the prosecution case while Alex Di Francesco served as Smith’s legal representative.

Counter Terrorism Policing South East had previously indicated Smith was apprehended in relation to an inquiry into far-right extremist activity in Sussex.

The court case at Bristol Crown Court is projected to extend over five days.