Soldier denies spying for Iran

A soldier accused of spying for the enemy in Afghanistan protested his innocence in court.

Corporal Daniel James, 44, who worked as an interpreter to General David Richards, the commander of Nato forces there, has been charged with passing military secrets to Iran, his country of birth.

But, in court, the former Territorial Army corporal said: 'I am not guilty - and this is the way the Army has repaid me.'

Outside court, his solicitor David Martin said: 'He is distressed by the false allegation, apparently being made by the very people he served so loyally.

'He is looking forward to presenting his case in court and answering the allegation made and clearing his name as he is absolutely confident he will do so.'

Corporal James, of Brighton, appeared at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court charged under section (1) (c) of the Official Secrets Act.

The court heard that on November 2 this year, 'for a purpose prejudicial to the safety of the state', the Shia Muslim ' communicated to another person information calculated to be directly or indirectly useful to the enemy'.

James, born Esmail Gamasai, was denied bail and remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on January 12.