A DAD of four who “dreamed of being like James Bond” faces jail after being convicted of offering to spy for Russia.
Scheming Howard Phillips, 65, gave personal details on then-Defence Secretary Grant Shapps to two undercover British officers.
PAScheming Howard Phillips is seen dropping a USB stick containing information on Grant Shapps into a bike[/caption]
AFPPhillips gave details personal details belonging to former Defence Secretary Mr Shapps to undercover officers posing as Russian agents[/caption]
Dad of four Phillips, 65, who ‘wanted to be like Bond’, faces jailBPM
The former insolvency worker, whose ex-wife told of his 007 fixation, was struggling financially after retiring.
A court heard he thought it would be “easy work for easy money” to provide agents “Dima” and “Sasha” with a USB stick containing personal details about his local MP.
The authorities had launched an investigation after Phillips, who had applied to join the UK Border Force, made contact with Russia’s embassy.
He became “deeply involved” with the undercover men, who spoke to him in fake Russian accents, promising “100 per cent loyalty” with “no questions asked”.
He offered details on Mr Shapps, who he had met at a synagogue, and was nicked after handing the USB stick to “Sasha” for £1,000 in April 2024.
Phillips, of Harlow, Essex — who claimed his aim was to “expose” a Russian agent — was convicted of assisting a foreign intelligence service at Winchester crown court.
Jocelyn Ledward KC, prosecuting, told the court that it is possible Shapps will provide a victim impact statement which would be read out at Phillips’s sentencing.
Phillips shook his head just before being led down to the cells, and appeared to mouth the words ‘can’t believe it’.
He will be sentenced later.
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