Armed forces member appears in court accused of 'sharing highly sensitive information'

A serving member of the UK's armed forces shared "highly sensitive" military information, a court was told.

Thomas Newsome, 36, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday charged with two offences under the Official Secrets Act.

He was deployed overseas until April 17, when prosecutors allege he made a "damaging disclosure of information relating to defence".

It follows an investigation by Scotland Yard's Counter Terrorism Command.

Mr Newsome is also accused of possessing documents "which he failed to take such care of as to prevent the unauthorised disclosure of those documents as a person in his position may reasonably be expected to take", on April 18.

He confirmed his name and date of birth, but his address and the names of his lawyers were withheld on national security grounds.

Mr Newsome is alleged to have shared a 10-page document with two senior officers who had clearance to view it, and a civilian who did not. He allegedly took photographs of the document and sent them by social media.

Prosecutor Brigid Fitzpatrick said the document, which Newsome allegedly had digital and hard copies of, contained "highly sensitive military information".

She alleged that if it were leaked it would pose a "real and immediate threat to the lives of British citizens outside the UK" and "facilitate the targeting of personnel".

Mr Newsome is also accused of possessing separate secret information on a USB stick.

He was not granted bail, and will next appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 28 April.

The Metropolitan Police said Mr Newsome was charged on Friday with offences contrary to section 2 and section 8 of the Official Secrets Act.

He was initially arrested on Tuesday and detained under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson confirmed the arrest of a serving member of the armed forces, but said it would be inappropriate to comment further.