David Smith worked at the British Embassy in Berlin for eight years and was angered at its flying of the LGBTQ+ rainbow flag
A security guard with a “hatred of the UK” who admitted spying for the Russians grew enraged at the flying of the rainbow flag at the British Embassy in Berlin in support of LGBTQ+ rights.
David Ballantyne Smith pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to eight charges of having “leaked details about the identities and activities of UK agents” to a Russian general.
He pleaded not guilty to a ninth charge of providing information about building repairs being carried out at the embassy.
Prosecutors alleged the disgruntled security guard had wanted to hurt the UK and the British Embassy, where he had worked for eight years.