Thomas Newsome: Member of Armed Forces accused of sharing 'sensitive' military information

A serving member of the Armed Forces accused of breaching the Official Secrets Act by sharing "highly sensitive" military information has appeared at the Old Bailey.

Thomas Newsome, 37, appeared at the central London court by video link on Friday for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Wearing a blue T-shirt, the bearded defendant spoke only to confirm his identity and was not asked to enter a plea to two charges he faces under the Official Secrets Act.

One of the charges alleges that Newsome made a "damaging disclosure" on 17 April "relating to defence".

Newsome, who returned to the UK from overseas deployment on that day, is alleged to have shared a 10-page document containing "highly sensitive military information".

The prosecution has alleged the release of such information would pose "a real and immediate threat to the lives of British citizens based outside the UK".

The second charge alleges Newsome failed to take care of documents or "prevent the unauthorised disclosure of those documents as a person in his position may reasonably be expected to take" on 18 April.

The second count relates to a USB stick also said to have contained "highly sensitive material".

Mr Justice Jeremy Baker has already set a provisional trial before a High Court judge from 8 April next year at Kingston Crown Court in south London.

During Friday's hearing, the judge set a date for another hearing at the Old Bailey for 13 October and further remanded Newsome in custody.