AN EMBITTERED army interpreter serving in Afghanistan betrayed Britain to become a spy for Iran, a court heard yesterday.
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 attaché in Kabul and told him "I am at your service", it is alleged.
The interpreter, a salsa dance instructor, and "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.
It contained sensitive information about troops, munitions and intelligence on insurgents.
James, 45, 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.
The jury was told that parts of the trial would be heard in secret and that they would have access to documents marked "Nato Confidential".
The full article contains 212 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
