A 64-year-old man has appeared in court charged with assisting Russia’s foreign intelligence service reports ITN.

Howard Michael Phillips, from Harlow was charged with an offence contrary to section three of the National Security Act.

Phillips, spoke via video link at the Old Bailey on Friday to confirm his address and date of birth.

He will next appear at the same court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on 25 October.

A trial date was set for 10 February of next year.

He will remain in custody until his next appearance in court.