Scots spy in Berlin had 'ongoing relationship' with Russia and was paid for 'treachery'
dailyrecord.co.ukA Scots spy in Berlin had an "ongoing relationship" with Russia and was paid for his “treachery”, a senior judge has ruled. David Smith, 58, gathered secret documents and passed them on to Russian authorities while working as a security guard at the British embassy in Germany.
He was caught following an undercover operation in 2021 and has admitted eight charges under the Official Secrets Act.Ahead of his sentencing at the Old Bailey, Mr Justice Wall ruled on the defendant’s motivation.
In his ruling on Thursday, Mr Justice Wall said Smith was motivated by “his antipathy towards this country” and intended to damage the UK’s interests by his actions.The judge dismissed the former RAF serviceman’s explanation that he only wanted to “embarrass” his employers because he was angry at his treatment and to highlight poor security.
Mr Justice Wall told the court: “I did not find him to be a witness of truth in general terms.”He said Smith had not addressed some questions when he gave evidence at the Old Bailey and some of his answers were “incredible”.The judge also dismissed Smith’s case that he only provided information to Russian military attaches twice, saying: “I am sure the relationship was in place for some time in 2020.
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