Army interpreter 'betrayed Britain'

9:21pm Monday 13th October 2008

An embittered Army interpreter serving in Afghanistan betrayed Britain to become a spy for Iran, a court heard.

Tehran-born Daniel James was a "Walter Mitty"-style fantasist who believed he had been passed over for promotion and been the victim of racism, a jury was told.

James was in a "unique position" working for General David Richards, who was commander of international forces in Afghanistan, the Old Bailey heard.

He sent coded messages to an Iranian military attache in Kabul and told him "I am at your service", it is alleged.

The salsa dance instructor, an "oddball" with an exaggerated idea of his own importance, was arrested in December 2006 in possession of a USB memory stick storing highly secret data, the court heard.

To the alarm of military chiefs, it contained sensitive information about troops, munitions, and intelligence on insurgents.

Mark Dennis QC, prosecuting, said: "During the latter part of 2006, the defendant's loyalty to this country wavered and his loyalties turned to Iran, the country of his birth. He turned his back on those with whom he was serving in Afghanistan and sought to become an agent for a foreign power."

James was seeking to provide information to insurgents fighting coalition forces and others "who may yet become involved or who may directly or indirectly support the insurgent elements", Mr Dennis said.

The 45-year-old, of Cliff Road, Brighton, denies communicating information useful to an enemy and a second count of collecting such information on a USB memory stick, both charges under the Official Secrets Act.

He also denies wilful misconduct in public office.

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