Unemployed man accused of causing ‘incalculable harm’ by breaching Official Secrets Act

Simon Finch allegedly unlawfully disclosed highly sensitive information relating to UK defence

Police seized electronic devices from Finch's home address (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

An unemployed man has appeared in court accused of causing “incalculable harm” by unlawfully disclosing sensitive information about the UK’s security network following a “grievance” with police.

Simon Finch, 49, is accused of one count of breaching the Official Secrets Act and one breach of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act.

Finch, whose address can only be given as Swansea due to a reporting restriction, did not enter pleas during the hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

The court was told Finch is alleged to have unlawfully disclosed highly sensitive information relating to UK defence without lawful authority to do so.

The trigger for the alleged disclosure was a grievance held by Finch against Merseyside Police and the “harm caused by disclosure is incalculable”, the court was told.

Police seized electronic devices from Finch’s home address as part of their investigation.

Finch refused to provide the access codes for three of the devices despite an order from a judge to do so, the court was told.

The defendant was released on bail until a plea hearing at the Old Bailey on 6 November.

Press Association