Scots British Embassy spy wanted to give employer ‘a bit of a slap’ over treatment, court told
dailyrecord.co.ukAn ex-security guard has apologised for spying at the British Embassy in Berlin, saying he only wanted to give his employer “a bit of a slap”.
David Ballantyne Smith admitted taking photographs of classified documents at the embassy some four years before he was caught in a sting by fake Russian operatives in 2021.In November last year, the 58-year-old pleaded guilty to eight charges under the Official Secrets Act by committing an act prejudicial to the safety or interests of the state.
The prosecution allege that Smith holds strong anti-UK views, is in favour of Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, and had handed documents over to the hostile state with intent to harm Britain.Giving evidence at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, Smith apologised for his behaviour.
He said: “I am disgusted with myself. At the time I did not think what I was doing. Now I have had a year-and-a-half to look back on it, I am disgusted with myself and ashamed at what I have done.”Defence barrister Matthew Ryder KC asked him: “Did you intend to cause serious harm to anybody?” Smith replied: “At no time.
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