MI5 Spy Denies Sexually Assaulting Colleague

A spy has appeared in court to deny sexually assaulting and beating a colleague.

The MI5 officer has been given the false name Mark Barton to protect his identity after a judge ruled that there was a "real and immediate risk to his life".

He is accused of attacking the female colleague between August and December last year.

She is known in the proceedings as "2363".

Barton appeared at London's Southwark Crown Court behind a screen to deny four charges - two of assault, one of sexual assault and one of putting a person in fear of violence and harassment.

The security services officer, who will also go on trial under his pseudonym, spoke only to deny the charges.

Although the 28-year-old will be screened from the public, the jury will see him and all the witnesses.

The witnesses will also be given anonymity and be referred to by their work personal identification numbers and some first names, the court heard.

Prosecutor Alison Morgan said: "He [Barton] is an employee of the security service and for reasons your Lordship heard he is to be referred to by the name Mark Barton.

"In addition he appears behind a screen to protect his physical appearance and that will continue for the duration of the trial."

Judge Alistair McCreath, the Recorder of Westminster, set a seven-day trial for June 24 with a pre-trial review listed for April 2.

Barton was released on bail with conditions of not contacting the complainant.