The case of a Basingstoke man accused of possessing a firearm without a license following an anti-terror operation in Rooksdown has been adjourned so that a psychiatric report can be produced.

Simon Tustain, of Penny Black Lane, was arrested last month, after homes were evacuated as part of searches carried out by Hampshire Police and Counter Terrorism Policing South East.

Residents witnessed police officers and the British Army team arrive on Mailing Way and erect a cordon at the corner of Peggs Way and Pumphouse Way.

However, appearing at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on September 10, the 25-year-old son of Basingstoke Labour councillor Jacky Tustain denied illegally possessing an antique pistol.

The court heard how a multi-barrel revolver was seized from Mr Tustain back in April, but that it wasn’t until he returned from a four-week trip abroad that a “red flag” was raised and he was taken in for questioning, and then arrested and charged.

The prosecutor said Mr Tustain had told police he wanted to visit the United States to do research for a charity he was trying to set up but due to travel restrictions, decided to spend a month travelling Morocco, Turkey, Bucharest and Prague instead.

After arriving back in Britain, Mr Tustain was interviewed under the Firearms Act at Stansted Airport in Essex.

Mr Tustain was due to appear at Winchester Crown Court today (Wednesday, October 13) for trial, however he is currently being held at Parklands hospital under Section 3 of the mental health act.

Graeme Logan, defending, requested an adjournment to allow for an assessment of fitness to plead.

This was granted by Judge Susan Evans QC, with a provisional trial date set of February 23, 2022 at Salisbury Crown Court.