Alleged Jewish spy ‘obsessed with James Bond’ but loyal to UK and Israel, court hears
Ex-wife says man accused of helping Russian agents loved the UK, “felt at home in Israel” and would never betray either
A Jewish man accused of attempting to spy for Russia “dreamt about being like James Bond” and once wrote to Arsenal asking to be their manager, despite having “no qualifications”, his ex-wife has told a court.
Howard Phillips, 65, from Harlow in Essex, is on trial at Winchester Crown Court charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service under the National Security Act.
It is alleged he offered help to two men he believed were Russian agents – “Sasha” and “Dima” – including providing personal information about former defence secretary Grant Shapps, and assisting with travel logistics and hotel bookings.
The court has heard the supposed agents were actually undercover British intelligence officers.
Giving evidence on Wednesday, Phillips’ former wife Amanda Phillips described him as a “kind, caring” father who was obsessed with spy films and had unrealistic ambitions.
“He read a lot about James Bond, watched films to do with MI5, MI6 – he was infatuated with it,” she told jurors.
“I think he would dream about serving this country in some way and being like James Bond… they were over-the-top dreams.”
She added: “He has a good soul. He’s also a daydreamer, big time, pipe dreams, big time.”
The couple, who met in Golders Green and were married for 18 years, have three children. Mrs Phillips said her ex-husband also dreamed of being an actor and once wrote to Arsenal and England football clubs asking to be their manager.
“He had no qualifications, no experience,” she said. “I just laughed. I thought, I just can’t take this seriously.”
Phillips, who is Jewish, has claimed he only contacted the Russian embassy in early 2024 in an effort to track Russian agents and help Israel. Prosecutors allege his attempts were aimed at assisting the Russian state.
Mrs Phillips told the court: “He loves Israel, loves the land – it’s the Jewish homeland. He felt very comfortable there, just as I do.”
Asked about his feelings toward Britain, she said: “He loves this country, really does, always has done. He loves the culture, loves the people… he would defend this country in any way.”
She added: “He would never, ever betray this country.”
Phillips denies one count of engaging in conduct to assist the Russian intelligence service. The trial continues.
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