Ex-Soldier Daniel Khalife’s Spy Trial Delayed After Daring Wandsworth Prison Escape
Daniel Khalife, 22, a former soldier accused of leaking top-secret info to Iranian spies, faces trial next autumn — but only after a sensational prison escape shook the system. The trial, originally set for November, was pushed back following his incredible getaway from Wandsworth Prison in September, where he reportedly hid under a food delivery lorry to break free.
Spy Trial Set for Woolwich Crown Court in October 2024
At the Old Bailey on Thursday, Mr Justice Jeremy Baker fixed an eight-week trial starting October 7, 2024, at Woolwich Crown Court. Khalife faces serious charges under the Official Secrets Act, accused of gathering and passing information useful to an enemy of the UK between May 2019 and January 2022.
Spilling Secrets: Allegations of Sharing Sensitive Military Data
Prosecutors say Khalife didn’t just pass on secret information to Iranian intelligence — he also held additional sensitive material for the same purpose. The core accusation claims he “obtained, circulated, recorded, published or communicated” classified notes and documents that could threaten UK security. Khalife denies all these charges.
There’s more. He’s also charged with extracting details about armed forces personnel from the Ministry of Defence’s joint personnel administration system on August 2, 2021. Authorities say this info could aid terrorists planning attacks.
Bomb Hoax and Capture After Daring Escape
One shocking charge alleges Khalife staged a bomb hoax by leaving canisters with wires on a desk in his accommodation before January 2, risking injury and damage by implying a potential explosion.
Before his brazen breakout, Khalife was held in Wandsworth’s South 1 unit. Police caught him just days later on September 9, tracking him down on a canal towpath in West London while he cycled — arrested by an undercover counter-terrorism officer.
During Thursday’s hearing, Khalife appeared via video link from Belmarsh prison, where he’s back behind bars following his capture.
