A former British soldier on trial for allegedly spying for Iran and escaping from prison has declared himself “a patriot” with a deep love for his country. In his first testimony at Woolwich Crown Court, Daniel Khalife asserted his English identity and expressed opposition to the Iranian regime.

Prosecutors claim that Mr. Khalife gathered sensitive military information to hand over to Iran and escaped Wandsworth prison in southwest London by hiding under a food truck on September 6, 2023. He firmly denies these allegations.

During the trial, jurors were presented with details about Mr. Khalife’s upbringing and family background. He was born in Marylebone and raised in the affluent Richmond area of west London. His mother is Iranian and his father is Lebanese, whom he described as “not a good man.” Mr. Khalife recounted that his father would frequently come and go, causing disruption without any lasting involvement in their lives.

At the age of 15, he encountered legal trouble for shoplifting, though the incident did not result in court proceedings. He mentioned that while he struggled with focus at school, he still managed to achieve 10 GCSEs. He characterized his mother as “very strict” and described her parenting as somewhat paranoid but not abusive, indicating that growing up in such an environment was challenging.

Mr. Khalife expressed feelings of shame regarding his family’s financial struggles while living in a wealthier neighborhood, stating that the relationships he formed during that time felt superficial. When asked about his family’s stance on the Iranian regime, he noted that his mother despises it and shares similar sentiments.

Recalling a trip to Iran after being caught shoplifting, Mr. Khalife said his mother aimed to show him how others lived. He vividly remembered the education level of young people in Iran contrasted with their limited opportunities, stating that each day spent there made him long to return home. He described his feelings about Iran as overwhelmingly negative, criticizing its weather and government.

At 16, he enlisted in the Army and completed initial training in Harrogate, motivated by a desire to escape home life and experience freedom. Regarding his feelings about the UK, he reiterated, “I am a patriot; it’s as simple as that. I love my country.” Mr. Khalife continues to deny all charges against him, including escaping from prison and gathering intelligence beneficial to Iran, as well as conducting a bomb hoax at his barracks in Stafford.