Gary Lee Moody, formerly of Gilhurst Grange, Millfield, is alleged to have assaulted Dhiren Barot while they were inmates at Frankland Prison, Brasside, Durham City.

Barot was once described by security sources as the second-most dangerous man in Britain.

The 35-year-old, from London, was the leader of a terrorist cell which plotted to murder thousands in Britain and the U.S.

Twenty-two-year-old Moody was due to appear before Peterlee magistrates via video link yesterday.

However, the case was not able to go ahead as planned due to a hiccup.

Moody, a serving prisoner at HMP Whitemoor, Cambridgeshire, was due to be taken to Peterborough prison so he could appear via the video link system, but magistrates were told that was not possible due to "transportation problems."

The case was adjourned to Wednesday, October 30, and Moody was remanded on technical unconditional bail.

It is not known whether he will appear via video-link from another prison near Whitemoor, or be driven north to be produced in the East Durham court.

Moody faces charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and assault occasioning actual bodily harm on July 13.

It is believed they refer to allegations of a boiling liquid thrown over Barot, who spent five days in Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary for treatment to burns.

The Indian-born Muslim plotted to flood the London Underground, drive limousines with explosives into the New York Stock Exchange, and considered using radioactive dirty bombs.

He was jailed for life last November, with a minimum term of 30 years.