Harlow man pleads not guilty to assisting Russia's foreign intelligence service
He's been charged with an offence contrary to section three of the National Security Act
A man has pleaded not guilty to assisting Russia's foreign intelligence service.
Howard Michael Phillips, of Harlow, Essex, appeared at the Old Bailey via video link on Friday charged with an offence contrary to section three of the National Security Act.
The 65-year-old denied engaging in conduct to assist a foreign intelligence service.
According to the charge, it is alleged he applied for employment within the Home Office at the Border Force Agency and applied for security clearance.
He is accused of disclosing personal contact details and information relating to a Member of Parliament to a foreign intelligence service.
The charge also alleges he offered to provide logistical support to, booked a hotel on behalf of, and bought and set up a mobile phone so that it was available to be used by, a foreign intelligence service.
A trial has been fixed for July 7 at Winchester Crown Court.
The Metropolitan Police said Phillips was arrested in central London on May 16.
The charge was described as part of a proactive counter-terrorism policing investigation into suspected offences under the National Security Act.