Iran spy accused soldier 'put hoax bomb in his barracks'

Khalife caused a scare to flee, court told

- TOM PETTIFOR

A FORMER British soldier accused of spying for Iran left what was thought to be a makeshift bomb in his barracks, a court heard.

Daniel Khalife, 23, is said to have sparked a major security alert at his unit's base in January 2023.

It is claimed he left the fake device to delay a hunt for him after he absconded fearing arrest on spying charges.

The then signaller who is said to have escaped from Wandsworth prison later that year - had not reported for parade in Beaconside, Staffs, after a Christmas break.

A note was left near the phoney bomb, Woolwich crown court heard.