British man Howard Phillips jailed after attempting to spy for Russia

A British man who jurors advised he “dreamed of being like James Bond” has been jailed for seven years after attempting to spy for Russia.

Howard Phillips, from Harlow, Essex, Wanted to present private details about former Defense Secretary Sir Grant Shapps.

The Conservative MP recalled visiting Mr Phillips' home after shifting to a brand new home in 2002.

Phillips, 66, was discovered responsible of aiding a overseas intelligence service underneath the National Security Act and sentenced at Winchester Crown Court in Hampshire.

Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb stated, “You were prepared to betray your country for money.”

“You took a severe threat and didn't care how a lot you misplaced.

“Through the deliberate work of the security services you were caught before you provided material support to a foreign intelligence service, so the danger was averted.”

He stated he was being punished on the idea that he was “not ideologically motivated but motivated by money”.

His trial earlier this 12 months stated he had utilized for a job with the UK Border Force in October 2023, which prosecutors stated was a part of his bid to help Russia.

Phillips supplied to assist two brokers whom he believed have been from the nation's intelligence service, however who have been really undercover British intelligence officers.

His ex-wife advised jurors he would “dream of being like James Bond” and would watch movies about MI5 and MI6 as a result of he was “influenced by it”.

Before assembly them on 9 May 2024 in each London and the Lakeside Shopping Center in West Thurrock, Essex, Phillips advised brokers on WhatsApp that he was “semi-retired but with connections in high places”.

He agreed to present private details about Sir Grant, together with his deal with, telephone quantity and the placement of his personal airplane.

Prosecutors stated he left a USB on a motorcycle close to St Pancras and Euston stations in London for brokers to seek out.

In a sufferer influence assertion learn out in courtroom, Sir Grant stated he was “shocked” concerning the defendant's plans and stated he was involved for the protection of his household.

Sir Grant remembered going to dinner at Phillips's house three years earlier than he grew to become MP for Welwyn Hatfield in Hertfordshire.

Sir Grant stated, “I think this is a complete breach of trust by Mr Phillips.”

“He decided to take whatever information he had and attempted to sell it to a foreign intelligence service, thus, arbitrarily, putting me, my family, and ultimately the country at risk.”

Bethan David, head of the Crown Prosecution Service's counter terrorism division, stated: “Phillips was shameless in his pursuit of financial gain, and unconcerned about the potential harm he could do to his country.”

Phillips' protection lawyer, Jeremy Dean Casey, stated there was an “element of fantasy” in his actions.

In courtroom he was described as a “lost soul” and an “eccentric fantasist” who believed he might handle Arsenal Football Club and even England.

“This was an old man whose life had collapsed, who was clearly not thinking straight and was desperate for money,” Mr Dein stated.