Ex-spy suspect’s relief as bomb charge dropped

A FORMER Territorial Army officer-cadet initially suspected of spying for Russia last night spoke of his relief after an explosives charge against him was formally dropped.The decision by the Crown Prosecution Service to halt the court case against Peter Hill, formerly of Skipton, brings to an end a near-six month police inquiry which began when he attempted to pass information to the Russian embassy in London last year. Mr Hill, 23, said: “I’m very relieved. I knew I was innocent all along but you never know how far they will take it.

“It led to me losing my job and my home – the last six months have been horrendous.”

He was initially arrested on suspicion of breaching the Official Secrets Act but was informed he would not be charged in connection with spying in January.

The CPS has now informed Mr Hill, 23, that a charge relating to an alleged bomb-making kit at his home has been dropped.

His solicitor, Grahame Stowe, said: “This decision is a vindication of what we have said all along – the charges were based on spurious intelligence and had little basis in fact.

“Despite several months of investigation – at the taxpayer’s expense – no proceedings have been worthy of pursuing against Mr Hill, yet his career and personal life have been utterly devastated.

“After being detained for five harrowing days, the subsequent investigation led to Peter losing his home and his reputation within the local community being destroyed. Mr Hill is now considering the avenues of redress available to him.”Mr Hill was first arrested last November under Section 1 of the Official Secrets Act 1911 and following police searches he was charged under Section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act 1883.

He had been due to reappear at Leeds Crown Court next month after police found an alleged bomb-making kit at his home in Lambert Street, Skipton.

Mr Hill initially came to the attention of MI5 after contacting the Russian embassy with the alleged aim of passing information relating to his involvement with the military.

He was arrested in a Metropolitan Police sting operation at Henry’s Bar on Greek Street in Leeds city centre after arranging to meet what he thought was a Russian contact.