Man charged with spying

A man has been charged in Britain with nine counts of spying under the Official Secrets Act, police said today.

The 48-year-old, who will appear at Southend Magistrates Court in Essex, tomorrow, is an employee of the defence equipment manufacturer BAE SYSTEMS.

An Essex Police spokesman said: ‘‘The man, who is a British national, was arrested in Southend on Friday and was questioned throughout Saturday.

‘‘The charges relate to nine alleged offences under the Official Secrets Act and one under the Theft Act.’’