Christopher Cash, 29, from Whitechapel, east London, and Christopher Berry, 32, of Witney in Oxfordshire, appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday to deny charges of spying under the Official Secrets Act. Cash had previously worked as a parliamentary researcher and had close ties to senior members of the Conservative Party including Tom Tugendhat.
The charge against them alleges that between December 28, 2021 and February 3, 2023 they obtained and communicated articles, notes, documents or information that could be useful to an enemy. The purpose of their actions is said to be prejudicial to the safety or interests of the State.
A further case management hearing will take place in January or February next year. A provisional trial date has been set for October 6 at Woolwich Crown Court with an estimated duration of five to seven weeks.