Navy sailor faces Old Bailey over security act charges

Teddy Young, 24, a Royal Navy sailor, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday facing charges under the National Security Act. The court heard allegations that Young accessed and retained sensitive UK defence and intelligence material during his first deployment on a Navy vessel. The alleged offences occurred between November 26, 2024, and May 21, 2025.

Allegations detailed

According to a written summary from the Crown Prosecution Service, Young, who holds high-level security clearance, is alleged to have engaged in conduct consistent with preparing to pass protected information to a foreign power. This included drafting a message in Russian containing classified information and attempting to make contact with Russian authorities via the dark web. He is also accused of copying information to a private email account, breaching Navy rules.

Young, who joined the Navy in April 2024, was arrested by Counter Terrorism Policing London at his home in Clapham, Bedfordshire. He had previously been arrested in Hampshire last year. The charges include engaging in conduct preparatory to the commission of an offence under the National Security Act 2023 and obtaining, accepting or retaining material benefit from a designated body.

Case sent to Old Bailey

District Judge Annabel Pilling stated that the matters were too serious to be dealt with at the magistrates’ court and must be heard at a crown court. Young did not enter any pleas during the four-minute hearing. The case has now been sent to the Old Bailey, with a hearing scheduled for October 16. Young was remanded in custody.

A Royal Navy spokesman confirmed that a member of the service had been charged with National Security Act offences following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London. The spokesman added that it would be inappropriate to comment further while legal proceedings are ongoing.