A serving member of the Royal Navy has appeared in court charged with two offences under the National Security Act following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London.
Teddy Young, 24, was arrested at his home in Bedfordshire on Tuesday 6 October and taken into custody in London. The Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charges on 7 October, according to the Metropolitan Police.
He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 8 October and was remanded in custody. His next hearing is scheduled at the Old Bailey on 16 October, Sky News reported.
Two charges authorised
The first charge alleges conduct in preparation for an offence of disclosing protected information, contrary to section 18 of the National Security Act 2023.
The second alleges that Young obtained, copied, recorded or retained protected information intending to benefit a foreign power, while knowing, or having regard to other matters known to him ought reasonably to have known, that the conduct was prejudicial to the safety or interests of the United Kingdom.
That charge is brought under section 1 of the Act. Both charges concern alleged conduct between 26 November 2024 and 21 May 2025.
Court appearance
Young was not asked to enter pleas at the hearing, according to Sky News.
In its account of the proceedings, the broadcaster reported allegations that he had sought contact with Russian authorities. The police charging announcement itself did not identify the foreign power.
The allegations have not been proved, and Young has not been convicted.
Police confirm no connection to Fairford
The Metropolitan Police explicitly said the arrest and charges were unrelated to the investigation into the incident at RAF Fairford.
The Royal Navy confirmed that one of its members had been charged and said it would be inappropriate to comment further while legal proceedings were ongoing.