Daniel Khalife, a former soldier accused of passing sensitive information to Iranian intelligence, is set to face trial next autumn. The 22-year-old’s trial, initially scheduled for November, was postponed after he allegedly escaped from Wandsworth prison in September by concealing himself under a food delivery lorry.
The new trial date was set during a hearing at the Old Bailey on Thursday, with Mr Justice Jeremy Baker scheduling an eight-week trial at Woolwich Crown Court starting October 7 next year. Khalife faces serious charges under the Official Secrets Act, accused of gathering information potentially useful to an enemy of the UK between May 1, 2019, and January 6, 2022.
Prosecutors claim that Khalife not only passed sensitive material to Iranian intelligence but was also in possession of additional material for the same purpose charges he denies. The specific charge alleges that he “obtained, circulated, recorded, published or communicated” notes, documents, or information potentially beneficial to an enemy, compromising the safety or interests of the state.
Furthermore, Khalife faces a second charge related to August 2, 2021, where he is accused of eliciting information about armed forces personnel. This charge pertains to obtaining personal data from the Ministry of Defence’s joint personnel administration system, information likely useful to someone committing or preparing an act of terrorism.
Another charge against Khalife involves a bomb hoax executed on or before January 2. He allegedly placed canisters with wires on a desk in his accommodation, creating the impression of a potential explosion or ignition, risking personal injury or property damage.
Before his dramatic escape, Khalife had been remanded at Wandsworth jail in South London. He was apprehended on September 9 on a canal towpath in West London by a plain-clothes counter-terrorism officer while riding a pushbike.
At Thursday’s hearing, which Khalife attended via video link from Belmarsh prison, he only spoke to confirm his identity and denied all charges. Mr Justice Baker announced that a preparatory hearing for the case would occur in March of the following year, with the exact date yet to be determined. This high-profile case has garnered significant attention due to the severity of the charges and the unusual circumstances surrounding Khalife’s escape and subsequent recapture.
