A FORMER teacher accused of carrying out a Novichok hoax at a Pembroke Castle following the Salisbury poisonings has appeared in court.
John ap Evans, 66, from Pembroke, is accused of putting bottles of a hoax noxious substance in Pembroke Castle five times during July 2018.
Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard two bottles labelled “Novichok” were placed in Wogan’s Cavern at the castle.
He denied the charges on Wednesday, telling Westminster Magistrates’ Court that he wanted to appear at crown court to “explain to the judge what happened”.
The discovery of the bottles caused fear and the castle was evacuated, the court heard.
More were placed later in the month before police set up a covert camera.
Evans, who gave his address as Northgate Street, Pembroke, represented himself.
He was released on unconditional bail until his trial at the Old Bailey on July 24.
