Trial for 'spying-charge' soldier

Mr James worked as an interpreter in Afghanistan

A British soldier charged with passing on secret information "to the enemy" is to stand trial at the Old Bailey.

Corporal Daniel James, 44, of Brighton, who was born in Iran, appeared before City of Westminster magistrates charged under the Official Secrets Act 1911.

He is accused of "communicating to another person information that may be directly or indirectly useful to the enemy" - widely believed to be Iran.

He was remanded in custody until a preliminary hearing on 12 January.

Mr James is an interpreter for General David Richards, the British commander of Nato forces in Afghanistan.

He confirmed his name, age and address when the details were read out by the court clerk at Wednesday's hearing.

A bail hearing was later held in private before senior district judge Timothy Workman because, said the judge, information was heard which could "prejudice the security and safety of the state".

Judge Workman later told the court the bail application had been refused.

'Not guilty'

As Mr James was being led from the dock after the hearing, he said to the court: "Not guilty. This is the way the Army has repaid me."

Outside court, his solicitor David Martin made a statement in which he said his client was "absolutely confident" of clearing his name.

He said: "He served with the British Army for almost 20 years in any way that he has been called to do so, irrespective of religious or political considerations and he's been proud to do so.

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