A junior Royal Navy serviceman accused of plotting to leak classified information to Russia has appeared in court.

Able Seaman Teddy Young, 24, is alleged to have abused his high-level security clearance to access secret defence and intelligence data after being deployed on a Navy vessel. It is said he had drafted a message in Russian containing classified information and had allegedly taken steps to make direct contact with the foreign power's authorities. Young was arrested by counter terror police at his home in Bedfordshire on Tuesday and appeared before Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday to face the charges for the first time."

The allegation is that while serving as a Royal Navy warfare intelligence rating with high-level security clearance and intelligence-system access, Teddy Stanley Greenidge Young accessed and retained sensitive UK defence and intelligence material and engaged in activity consistent with preparing to pass protected information to a foreign power," the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) told the court in a written summary of the allegations. It is said Young, who joined the Navy in April 2024, committed the offences on his first deployment, which began on 4 November 2024.

Sky News understands that when he was previously arrested - in Hampshire in May 2025 - his security clearance was immediately suspended and he was removed from duties. An Able Seaman is the most junior rank in the Navy.

Young is accused of using the dark web to try to make contact with Russian authorities, drafting a message which "sought to make contact with a potential threat actor", and breaking Navy rules by copying information to a private email account. Young wore a grey sweatshirt and joggers as he appeared before District Judge Annabel Pilling. According to the charges, it is said that between 26 November 2024 and 21 May 2025, Young "disclosed protected information for a purpose which he knew, or having regard to other matters known to him ought reasonably to have known, was prejudicial to the safety or interests of the UK intending the conduct to benefit a foreign power, engaged in conduct in preparation for the commission of such an act".More from Sky News:Using ambulances as 'treatment rooms' unacceptable, says unionPolice wage war on phone thieves - and raid the shops selling themOver the same six-month period, Young is said to have "obtained, copied, recorded or retained protected information, intending the conduct to benefit a foreign power".Young was not asked to enter any pleas during the four-minute court hearing.

The judge stated: "As you know, the matters that you have been charged with are too serious to be dealt with at this court and need to be dealt with at a crown court." Judge Pilling sent the case to the Old Bailey, where Young is due to appear on 16 October, and remanded him in custody meantime.

The arrest and charges are not connected to the recent investigation into the incident at RAF Fairford. Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, a branch of the Metropolitan Police, said: "These are very serious charges against a serving member of the armed forces."

We have worked extremely closely with relevant operational colleagues within the Ministry of Defence as our investigation has progressed to ensure appropriate measures could be taken to mitigate any potential risks linked to this matter." It is important now that any further speculation on this case is avoided, and so that the case can progress through the courts and the justice process not be impeded in any way." A Royal Navy spokesperson said: "A member of the Royal Navy has been charged with National Security Act (NSA) offences following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London." As legal proceedings are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage."