The plea listening to for a British man accused of spying for Russia from the British embassy in Berlin has been delay because of the defence barristers’ strike.
David Smith, 58, who labored as a safety guard on the embassy, was because of enter pleas to 9 prices underneath the Official Secrets and techniques Act relationship again to Could 2020.
On Monday, Smith appeared on the Outdated Bailey earlier than Mr Justice Wall by videolink from Belmarsh excessive safety jail.
Carrying a gray T-shirt and tracksuit bottoms, he spoke solely to verify his title.
Alistair Richardson attended for the prosecution however Smith’s barrister was absent, with the defendant’s pursuits represented by solicitor Russell Nicholson.
Addressing the prosecutor, Mr Justice Wall mentioned: “I do know the defendant shouldn't be represented by counsel as we speak however Mr Nicholson is right here to signify his pursuits.
“Clearly that may restrict the quantity we are able to obtain however I felt it was vital to keep up this itemizing so the case can advance as a lot as potential, so we are able to maintain the trial date in February.”
The senior decide set a brand new plea listening to for October 4 when he'll take care of some other instructions within the case.
He added: “In the mean time I perceive why defence counsel aren't in attendance – there is no such thing as a assure that scenario may have modified by that date.”
If there is no such thing as a change, the senior decide requested that the defence counsel talk with the courtroom and point out the doubtless pleas.
Smith, who was dwelling in Potsdam, was arrested by German police on August 10 final yr and extradited to the UK in April.
In line with the costs, Smith gathered info from the embassy and handed it to somebody he believed was a consultant of the Russian state, in addition to different alleged offences.
The fees allege Smith communicated by letter with “Normal Main Sergey Chukhurov, the Russian army attache based mostly out of the Russian Embassy, Berlin”.
The fabric “contained particulars concerning the actions, identities, addresses and phone numbers of varied members of Her Majesty’s Civil Service”.
Smith allegedly dedicated acts “prejudicial” to the protection and curiosity of the state by gathering info labeled as “secret” concerning the “actions of Her Majesty’s Authorities”.
He allegedly “collected materials referring to the operation and structure of the British Embassy in Berlin”, with that info thought or meant to be “helpful to an enemy, particularly the Russian state”.
Smith additionally allegedly made unauthorised photocopies of paperwork, video recordings of the embassy’s CCTV system and “stored sim card packaging” he had been requested to get rid of.
The fees declare he gave details about constructing repairs on the embassy after being approached by somebody he “believed to be a member of Russian Navy Intelligence (the GRU)”.
Following the temporary courtroom listening to, Smith, now of no mounted deal with, was remanded into custody.
He is because of go on trial on the Outdated Bailey on February 13 subsequent yr.