Local News · Swindon
Swindon man denies allegations of plot to sabotage local drone factories
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
A 31-year-old Swindon man has appeared in court to face charges linked to an alleged plot involving foreign intelligence and the targeting of local manufacturing sites.
A 31-year-old man from Swindon has pleaded not guilty to charges related to an alleged conspiracy to sabotage drone manufacturing facilities. Joshua Cammidge, of Galsworthy Close, appeared via video link at the Old Bailey on Friday, 25 September, where he entered his pleas regarding national security offences.
Mr Cammidge faces charges of assisting a foreign intelligence service and intending to commit or engage in conduct to prepare an act of sabotage. The prosecution alleges that between 27 March and 5 September this year, he provided specific details to an individual believed to be linked to the GRU Volunteer Corps, a group controlled by Russian intelligence services.
According to the prosecution, the alleged activities included researching four specific drone manufacturing sites in Swindon. It is further alleged that Mr Cammidge carried out reconnaissance, researched wifi-jamming equipment, and provided the individual with Google Maps screenshots of the Swindon locations. Prosecutor Sarah Przybylska told the court that the defendant is accused of offering to carry out acts of sabotage against these sites to assist Russian war efforts.
The court heard that the investigation into these activities was led by Counter Terrorism Policing London, with support from Wiltshire Police. Mr Cammidge was arrested at an address in Swindon on 4 September. Following his initial detention, he was further arrested and held under the National Security Act 2023.
The GRU Volunteer Corps was formally designated by the UK Government in July 2026 under the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026, making it a criminal offence to express support for the organisation. The broader GRU intelligence agency remains under full UK sanctions.
Mr Cammidge, who is currently remanded in custody at HMP Wandsworth, is set to face a trial at Winchester Crown Court. The trial is scheduled to begin on 19 April 2027. He is due to appear before the court again in January for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Lifestyle · View original