𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

The Able Seaman, the most junior rank in the Royal Navy, joined in April 2024 and allegedly committed the offences on his first deployment, which began on November 4, 2024.

He 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 in the dock in front of District Judge Annabel Pilling.

He was arrested by counter-terror police at his home in Bedfordshire on Tuesday, having previously been arrested in Hampshire last year.

A Royal Navy spokesman said: “A member of the Royal Navy has been charged with National Security Act offences following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London.

“As legal proceedings are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”

Shadow Home Office minister Alicia Kearns said the allegations should lead to a fresh diplomatic crackdown on Moscow.

She said: “Russia is a terrorist state. Caution does not buy us safety. There must be consequences, as nothing makes war more likely than when an aggressor state feels it can continue to be reckless, and attack us, consequence free.

“We need every part of our society and economy to recognise the threat and act to defend our country. This should be a national mission.”