Submariner who tried to give secrets to Russia jailed for eight years
A Plymouth-based Royal Navy submariner who tried to give secrets to people he thought were Russian spies has been jailed for eight years.
Edward Devenney, 30, from County Tyrone, was arrested in Plymouth in March after a sting operation by MI5 agents.
-
Edward Devenney
The court heard Devenney was angry at being passed over for promotion, and gathered classified information which he offered to 'a foreign country'.
Mr Justice Saunders at the Old Bailey said Devenney, who admitted breaching the Official Secrets Act, had been "prepared to betray his country and his colleagues."
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Sunday, May 26 2013
He said: "The defendant made determined efforts to enter into an agreement to supply secret information to representatives of another country."
He added: "It needs to be understood by those who may be tempted to pass on secrets that long prison sentences must follow even unsuccessful attempts."
Devenney contacted the Russian Embassy in November 2011 while drunk, then later opened a safe aboard HMS Vigilant and photographed encryption codes.
MI5 agents recorded meetings at a number of venues between Devenney and others - he offered to pass on information about submarine movements.
When arrested he was found with a spare key for the secure communications room aboard the sub.
The court heard the information, properly passed on, could have breached national security.
The court was told Devenney had been a model member of the service until he was accused of rape - a charge f which he was later cleared.
After the accusation he descended into drink and depression.
Comments
by CharlieDodd
Wednesday, December 12 2012, 9:35PM
“..'he offered to pass on secrets about submarine movements'..
No secret there, everybody knows they move up and down, backwards and forwards”
by Nevman
Wednesday, December 12 2012, 9:10PM
“Er... security seems to have been onto him from the start, F.”
by firkinjeffery
Wednesday, December 12 2012, 8:44PM
“His biggest crime!!!
Embarrassing the Navy,
and its obvious lack of decent security.
simples.
F”
by FromMendip
Wednesday, December 12 2012, 8:01PM
“If these posters think he should be put to death for this what would be their punishment for someone who murders someone? Hang them twice?”
by Nevman
Wednesday, December 12 2012, 7:34PM
“The key words being "may or may not", jabba. Unless, of course, you're privy to some top secret information of your own, namely the Russians' evil master plan to conquer the Western world... which, for some sneaky reason, they didn't implement when they actually had the power to carry it out.”
by Laid_Back
Wednesday, December 12 2012, 7:33PM
“Should have been hung from the yard arm. Well, as a submariner, from the periscope rather than the yard arm I suppose. It would have to be in the "up" position with the submarine surfaced to get sufficient drop. Keelhauling instead of hanging would be equally effective and avoid possible damage to the periscope as well. If that's still in the regs, probably forbidden by human rights legislation.”
by jabbathebutt
Wednesday, December 12 2012, 7:22PM
“Should have been shot at dawn . Secrets that may or may not have used against every single person in this country and endangered lives . He didnt care . Pure traitor . People have been hanged for less. I also feel sorry for his family ,its not their fault to suffer any shame .”
by Brizolboy
Wednesday, December 12 2012, 7:17PM
“A foolish bitter man open to temptation! Just lucky hanging is frowned upon nowadays.”