British soldier accused of spying

Mr James worked as an interpreter for Gen Richards

A British soldier has been charged with passing on secret information "to the enemy", believed to be Iran.

Daniel James, 44, confirmed only his name, before the rest of Wednesday's hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court, in London, was held in secret.

He was later revealed to be a corporal who acted as an interpreter for the Nato commander in Afghanistan.

He has been charged under the Official Secrets Act. The MoD and the Crown prosecutors refused to comment.

BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner said Corporal Daniel James was "incredibly well placed" as interpreter for General David Richards and privy to every conversation the commander had had with Afghans speaking Dari.

"So if the charges do stick, if they are accurate, then this would be potentially a disaster for Nato because their operation in Afghanistan is potentially compromised," he said.

On Wednesday, Mr James appeared before the court and confirmed his name and date of birth before the charge was read to him.

There is a possible prejudice to national security Judge Timothy Workman

It alleges that on 2 November this year, for a purpose prejudicial to the safety of the state, he "communicated to another person information calculated to be directly or indirectly useful to the enemy".

The charge is under section one (1) (C), of the Official Secrets Act 1911.

Senior District Judge Timothy Workman told reporters: "I have been given certain information which leads me to the conclusion that it will be necessary to hear certain facts in camera as there is a possible prejudice to national security."

Mr James, who is reported to be from the Brighton area, was remanded in custody until December 27. There was no application for bail.

The defence editor of the Times, Michael Evans, said that his investigations had revealed the details of Mr James's exact role as interpreter for General David Richards, and Iran was the most likely country allegedly involved.

The language Mr James speaks is Dari, one of the two main languages of Afghanistan, and he is Iranian-born.

The Ministry of Defence, the Crown Prosecution Service and Scotland Yard all refused to confirm the details of his identity or the allegations made in the newspapers.