Prosecutors have dropped prices towards two males, together with a former parliamentary researcher, who had been accused of spying for China.
Christopher Money, 30, and Christopher Berry, 33, had each denied accusations of offering info prejudicial to the pursuits of the state in breach of the Official Secrets and techniques Act between December 2021 and February 2023.
It was alleged they obtained, recorded and printed info “for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of the state” and which may very well be “directly or indirectly, useful to an enemy”.
They had been as a consequence of go on trial subsequent month, however prosecutor Tom Little advised London’s Outdated Bailey they might supply no proof towards the pair.
He mentioned: “We simply cannot continue to prosecute.”
A spokesperson for the Dwelling Workplace mentioned it was “disappointing” the pair wouldn’t face trial “given the seriousness of the allegations”.
They mentioned the choice was made by the Crown Prosecution Service “entirely independently of government”.
“National security is the first duty of government and we remain steadfast in upholding this responsibility,” the spokesperson mentioned. “We will continue to use the full range of tools and powers to guard against malign activity.”
A Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson mentioned: “In accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, the evidence in this case has been kept under continuous review and it has now been determined that the evidential standard for the offence indicted is no longer met. No further evidence will be offered.”
Mr Money’s lawyer mentioned his shopper was “entirely innocent and should never have been arrested, let alone charged”.
Talking exterior courtroom, Mr Money mentioned: “While I am relieved that justice has been served today, the last two and a half years have been a nightmare for me and my family.”
He mentioned he hoped “lessons are learned from this sorry episode”.
China had dismissed the costs as “self-staged political farce”.
Mr Money beforehand labored as a parliamentary researcher and was carefully linked to senior Tories together with former safety minister Tom Tugendhat and Alicia Kearns, who served as chair of the Commons Overseas Affairs Committee.
He was director of the China Analysis Group, which was chaired by Mr Tugendhat after which Ms Kearns.
Mr Berry has labored in varied instructing posts in China since September 2015.
