Swindon man denies Russian plot to 'torch' UK drone factories

A Swindon man accused of plotting to sabotage UK drone factories for Russia will go on trial next year — his lawyer told the Old Bailey on Friday that he intends to deny the accusations, Reuters reports.

Joshua Cammidge, 31, is charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service and preparing an act of sabotage after contact with the GRU Volunteer Corps, which prosecutors said was controlled by Russia’s GRU military intelligence agency.

Prosecutor Sarah Przybylska told London’s Old Bailey that Cammidge, from Swindon, had exchanged messages with a Briton who had gone to Russia to fight against Ukraine, in which Cammidge was tasked with locating drone manufacturing sites.

“They discussed sabotaging a site and the defendant volunteered to carry out such sabotage,” she said. “It was clear all of this was to assist the Russian war effort.” Prosecutors have also accused him of researching a Wi-Fi jamming device and undertaking reconnaissance.

Cammidge was not asked to enter pleas, but lawyer John Oliver said he intended to deny the accusations — “no intention to cause or take part in sabotage”, with the communications “not to be taken seriously”.

Prosecutors had earlier alleged at Westminster Magistrates’ Court that Cammidge provided details of four drone factories near his Swindon home — The Sun’s coverage described the claim as a plan to “torch” a factory.

Cammidge was remanded in custody; he will enter a plea in January, with the trial due at Winchester Crown Court in April. Russia’s embassy in London has not commented.