Mr Haw has camped on the square since 2001

Haw, 57, is accused of failing to comply with orders issued in May under the Organised Crime and Police Act.

He is said to have placards in area of Parliament Square, exceeding an area of 9ft 9in (3m) by 1ft 3in (1m).

The case was adjourned for the defence to apply for a judicial review of the conditions imposed on Mr Haw.

Mr Haw's barrister, Ian Macdonald QC, also argued at Marylebone Magistrates' Court that not enough time had been set aside for the case.

In five years and three months I've never done any of the things that this new, law was designed to prevent. Brian Haw The lone protester

Granting the adjournment, District Judge Quentin Purdy said it was "extremely regrettable" as it was hoped the case would be heard on Tuesday.

Mr Haw from Redditch, Worcestershire, began his protest in June 2001.

The conditions were imposed on him on 8 May this year and he was reported for a breach of the conditions on 16 May.

A week later, dozens of his placards were seized during a police raid.

A pre-trial review hearing was set for 28 September and Mr Haw, who gave his address in court as Parliament Square, was given unconditional bail.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Haw said: "In five years and three months I've never done any of the things that this new law was designed to prevent.