Ex-soldier 'congratulated' officer who caught him

A erstwhile British worker accused of escaping situation "congratulated" a constabulary serviceman connected catching him aft helium was stopped connected a westbound London canal towpath, a tribunal has heard.

The plain apparel detective sergeant, who was not named successful court, said helium "jumped out" of his car, ran to the canal and "grabbed hold" of Daniel Khalife past September.

Jurors astatine Woolwich Crown Court were told Mr Khalife was arrested 3 days aft helium was alleged to person escaped from HMP Wandsworth, successful southbound London, by strapping himself to the underside of a nutrient transportation lorry.

Mr Khalife, 23, denies each charges including collecting delicate subject accusation for Iran.

Jurors were told connected Friday that Mr Khalife was arrested connected 9 September 2023 with a fig of items including a upland bike, a Waitrose container with a phone, receipts, a diary and astir £200 successful notes.

The Met Police serviceman recalled the moments helium spotted Mr Khalife and went to apprehension him.

"It was rather a accelerated moving situation," helium said.

"I could spot Khalife coming towards maine connected the footpath riding his motorcycle with covering matching the description.

"I was definite it was Daniel Khalife, I told him helium was nether arrest.

"I ran down the stairs, I pulled my taser out."

Mr Khalife "flinched" erstwhile helium saw the taser, but did not "have a accidental to stop" due to the fact that of the velocity helium was moving, the tribunal heard.

"I grabbed clasp of his limb and pulled him disconnected of the motorcycle onto the floor," the serviceman continued - adding that Mr Khalife complied and was handcuffed.

The serviceman was past joined by colleagues and Mr Khalife was formally arrested.

Asked astir Mr Khalife's demeanour, the serviceman said: "He was affable towards me. Quite jovial.

"At nary constituent did helium effort to resist.

"He was pleasant. He congratulated maine connected catching him."

Jurors were besides shown a photograph of Mr Khalife sitting connected the crushed aft being stopped by police.

Asked by defence barrister Gul Nawaz Hussain KC if helium had told Mr Khalife: "Stop, oregon I'll shoot," the serviceman said: "No."

The tribunal had heard that connected 6 September Mr Khalife had been to Richmond and went to the outdoor apparel concatenation Mountain Warehouse, and the pursuing time helium was pictured successful 2 supermarkets.

The proceedings had besides been told that connected the time of the arrest, the erstwhile worker was seen successful a McDonald's.

Prosecutor Mark Heywood KC antecedently told the assemblage Mr Khalife "quite deliberately escaped" aft being escorted to the room wherever helium had a job.

His lack was discovered during a headcount and past each question successful the situation was suspended, the assemblage was told.

Mr Khalife, who was brought up successful Kingston, south-west London, by his Iranian-born mother, joined the Army successful September 2018, 2 weeks earlier his 17th birthday, the tribunal heard.

He besides faces charges contrary to the Official Secrets Act and Terrorism Act, and is accused of perpetrating a weaponry hoax, which helium denies.

The proceedings continues.