Spy jury considers remaining charges

Daniel James was convicted at the Old Bailey on a charge under the Official Secrets Act related to sending emails to his Iranian contact.

The salsa dancing Army interpreter, who worked for Britain's top general in Afghanistan, faces two more charges - one under the Act relating to a USB memory stick containing secret documents that was found in his possession, as well as a third count of misconduct in public office.

Judge Mr Justice Roderick Evans told the jury he would accept majority verdicts on the outstanding charges.

James, 45, of Cliff Road, Brighton, who had access to the highest echelons of the Nato mission in Kabul, was caught red-handed betraying his country in a series of coded emails.

The Iranian-born corporal, a flamboyant fantasist who styled himself "General James", believed he had been denied promotion because of racism and jealousy, the Old Bailey heard on Wednesday.

He told one colleague: "They will have their comeuppance."

James also needed money. He was £25,000 in debt and had four mortgages on flats in Brighton - although he later claimed he would not give away secrets for a million pounds.

But his treachery could have cost the lives of British soldiers, the court heard.

Prosecutor Mark Dennis QC said it was "the height of betrayal".