Army interpreter to be tried over spying for Iran

An Army interpreter accused of spying for Iran was sent for trial at the Old Bailey Wednesday. His solicitor said he was confident he would clear his name. Cpl Daniel James, 44, who is charged under the Official Secrets Act 1911 with passing information which would be "directly or indirectly useful to the enemy", appeared before City of Westminster magistrates.

At the hearing, the Territorial Army soldier repeatedly mouthed the words "I'm innocent" to the public gallery, jabbing a finger to his chest, and, as he was led away, he called out: "Not guilty. This is the way the Army has repaid me."

Judge Timothy Workman, who held much of the hearing in private for fear information could "prejudice the security and safety of the state", said bail had been refused, and set the preliminary hearing for 12 January.

Due to the nature of the alleged offence, the Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith, must give his consent for the case to be sent to Crown Court before any plea can be entered.

Born in Tehran, Cpl James moved to the UK as a teenager following the overthrow of the Shah, though his mother is said to be still living in Iran. He became a British citizen and joined the Territorial Army Company of the Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment 19 years ago, subsequently changing his name from Esmail Gamasai.