Howard Phillips, 65, is on trial for allegedly intending to assist Russian intelligence services by building relationships with people he believed were agents. Prosecutors allege his financial struggles motivated his eagerness to assist these agents, who he thought were named Dima and Sasha. He reportedly engaged in various tasks for them in exchange for payment, showcasing no ideological sympathy for Russia. The court was informed of the potential serious consequences of his actions, as Phillips had provided personal details about individuals, believing he had high connections.
Phillips, 65, was very keen to develop a relationship with undercover officers he believed were Russian agents, known as Dima and Sasha, Winchester Crown Court heard.
He thought and understood them to be Russian agents. They were Russian agents with whom the defendant was very keen to develop a relationship he was also very keen to provide assistance to them in various imaginative ways of his own devising.
Had the defendant succeeded in any or all of what he had intended to do, any or all of these acts could have had very serious consequences indeed.
The evidence shows he was very keen to offer assistance, not necessarily for any ideological reason, but particularly to be financially rewarded for so doing.
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