A former British soldier, facing charges of espionage for Iran and escaping from prison, has proclaimed himself “a patriot” devoted to his country. Daniel Khalife, during his initial testimony at Woolwich Crown Court, asserted his identity as “English” and expressed opposition to the Iranian regime.

Prosecutors contend that Khalife gathered sensitive military data for Iran and made a dramatic escape by hiding under a food truck at Wandsworth prison in south-west London on September 6, 2023. He firmly denies these accusations.

On Wednesday, jurors learned about Khalife’s upbringing, having been born in Marylebone and raised in Richmond, a prosperous area of London. He described his family background, noting that his mother is Iranian and his father Lebanese. Khalife characterized his father as someone who was “not a good man,” recalling instances of erratic behavior that disrupted their lives.

At the age of 15, Khalife encountered trouble with law enforcement due to a shoplifting incident; however, this case did not progress to court. He admitted to difficulties concentrating in school but managed to achieve ten GCSEs. Reflecting on his upbringing, he described his mother as very strict and somewhat paranoid. Although he did not consider it abusive, he acknowledged the challenges of growing up in such an environment.

Khalife expressed feelings of shame regarding his family’s financial struggles, stating that they lived in a wealthy area despite being poor. This disparity led him to form what he deemed “fake” relationships. When asked about his family’s views on the Iranian regime, he stated that his mother greatly detests it and likely the country itself.

He recounted a trip to Iran following his shoplifting incident when his mother sought to expose him to the realities of life there. Khalife noted how educated many young people were but lamented the lack of opportunities available to them. His time in Iran left him with a strong aversion to the country: “I hated it,” he said, criticizing everything from the climate to the government.

At 16, Khalife joined the Army and completed initial training in Harrogate, motivated by a desire for freedom from home life. Regarding his feelings towards the UK, he declared himself a patriot who loves his nation: “I am English and that is how I see it.”

Khalife continues to deny all charges against him, including allegations of prison escape, espionage activities benefiting Iran, collecting names of special forces personnel for terrorist purposes, and staging a bomb hoax at his barracks in Stafford.