Sniper suspect to get court lawyer

SITTING impassively in an orange prison jump-suit, accused Washington sniper John Allen Muhammad yesterday made a second appearance in a Virginia court.

During the 10-minute hearing, Muhammad, 41, spoke only two words: "Yes, sir," when asked by the judge if he needed court-appointed lawyer. Judge Leroy Millette set a December 12 hearing to consider a trial date. He is entitled to a trial by April 7.

Muhammad is charged with the murder of Dean Harold Meyers, 53, at a Virginia petrol station.