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Army interpreter guilty of spying Army interpreter guilty of spying
(10 minutes later)
Army interpreter Daniel James, who worked for Britain's top general in Afghanistan, has been found guilty of spying for Iran.Army interpreter Daniel James, who worked for Britain's top general in Afghanistan, has been found guilty of spying for Iran.
The Iranian-born corporal translated for the head of multi-national forces, General David Richards.The Iranian-born corporal translated for the head of multi-national forces, General David Richards.
The court heard he sent coded messages to an Iranian military attache in Kabul telling him "I am at your service".The court heard he sent coded messages to an Iranian military attache in Kabul telling him "I am at your service".
James, 45, was described in court as a flamboyant fantasist who had once invited his boss to salsa dance.James, 45, was described in court as a flamboyant fantasist who had once invited his boss to salsa dance.
He was found guilty of communicating information to an enemy, the most serious of three charges he faced.He was found guilty of communicating information to an enemy, the most serious of three charges he faced.
Jurors are still deliberating charges of collecting documents useful to an enemy and wilful misconduct in public office.Jurors are still deliberating charges of collecting documents useful to an enemy and wilful misconduct in public office.
'Height of betrayal'
His treachery could have cost the lives of British soldiers, the court heard.His treachery could have cost the lives of British soldiers, the court heard.
Prosecutor Mark Dennis QC said it was "the height of betrayal".Prosecutor Mark Dennis QC said it was "the height of betrayal".
James believed he had been passed over for promotion because of jealousy and racism.James believed he had been passed over for promotion because of jealousy and racism.
The court heard he told a colleague: "They will have their comeuppance."The court heard he told a colleague: "They will have their comeuppance."
He was also £25,000 in debt and had four mortgages on flats in Brighton.He was also £25,000 in debt and had four mortgages on flats in Brighton.
James said he remained a loyal British soldier and that those who accused him of being a spy were "mad".James said he remained a loyal British soldier and that those who accused him of being a spy were "mad".
He was arrested in December 2006, just two months after he had made contact with with Colonel Mohammad Hossein Heydari, an Iranian military assistant based at Tehran's embassy in Kabul.
'Self-importance'
Prosecutor Mark Dennis QC said: "He has been described as an extrovert, someone with somewhat grandiose ideas about himself and his own self-importance - something of a Walter Mitty character who would no doubt find his new clandestine role something exciting and special.
"Fortunately, his activities were nipped in the bud by the early discovery of what he was doing."
Mr James worked as a casino croupier, in nightclub security and as a dance instructor before joining the Territorial Army and being sent to Afghanistan in March 2006.
An MoD spokesman said: "We have noted the verdict of the court in this case. In line with normal procedures the Army will now be discharging Corporal James from the Territorial Army."