A man has denied charges of planning to "torch" UK drone factories for Russia's intelligence services in an alleged sabotage plot. Joshua Cammidge, 31, from Swindon, is accused of researching and carrying out reconnaissance on four drone manufacturing sites in the town.
Prosecutors told the Old Bailey that Cammidge was in contact with Aiden Minnis, a British national fighting for Russia in Ukraine, and allegedly offered to conduct sabotage at these sites. The prosecution stated it was clear this was to assist the Russian war effort.
Cammidge appeared via video-link from HMP Wandsworth, charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service and intending to commit or engage in conduct to prepare an act of sabotage. His defence stated there was no intention for him to assist or take part in sabotage, and that communications were not to be taken seriously.
Cammidge was arrested on 4 September and later detained under the National Security Act 2023. He strenuously denied all charges during police interviews. The Crown Prosecution Service previously indicated that the representative Cammidge was believed to be in contact with was from the GRU Volunteer Corps.