Silverstone Intruder Denied Bail

The trial of a man who ran on to the track during this month's British Formula One Grand Prix was adjourned today pending psychiatric reports.

A magistrates court in Northampton agreed to a defence request for the hearing of Cornelius Horan, 56, to be adjourned until August 11 to obtain doctors' notes. They refused an application for bail.

Irishman Horan, of Nunhead in south east London, was remanded in custody on July 21, the day after he ran on to Silverstone's Hangar Straight, charged with "aggravated trespass."

The prosecutor had earlier said in court that there was a high degree of premeditation in Horan's actions.

"The offence was an extremely dangerous one. He had a total lack of regard for his safety, that of the staff, the public and of course of the drivers."

Horan spoke only to confirm his personal details and that he understood the hearing was being conducted by video link from Woodhill prison. His lawyer told the court Horan was a religious man who now regretted his actions at Silverstone.

"Mr Horan has had a chance to consider his action and realises that it was to the detriment of his message," defence solicitor Stuart Jeffery told the court.

"He didn't go to Silverstone with the intention to commit an offence. He saw a gate that was open and seized the opportunity," Jeffery added.

He said that Horan had no previous convictions and had promoted his message peacefully at other sporting events such as the Wimbledon tennis championships.

Formula One drivers have accused Horan, wearing an orange kilt and green hat, of risking his and their lives by venturing on to a part of the track where cars reach speeds in excess of 240 kph (150 mph).