Former government intelligence contractor charged under Official Secrets Act over ‘damaging’ disclosures

A former government contractor who worked in the intelligence community has appeared in court charged with making “damaging” disclosures under the Official Secrets Act.

Juan Joseph, 42, was arrested after an investigation carried out by the Metropolitan Police‘s counter-terrorism unit.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday facing two charges under the Official Secrets Act relating to his former role as a “government contractor”.

Joseph, from Sutton, south London, is accused of making a “damaging disclosure relating to security or intelligence” on 19 November last year and 13 January this year.

The court heard “he worked within the UK intelligence community and on parts of its estate”, but the specific organisation he worked at was not disclosed.

Prosecutors said the disclosures are said to be “damaging to the work of the organisation within the UK intelligence community that the defendant worked in”.

Joseph, who was representing himself at the hearing, indicated not guilty pleas to both of the charges.

He was remanded in custody by District Judge Michael Snow ahead of his next appearance at the Old Bailey on 14 February.

Joseph first appeared in court on Saturday but the case was adjourned as the charges needed the consent of Attorney General Lord Hermer, which the court heard was granted on Thursday.