Juan Joseph, a former MI5 contractor, has been detained indefinitely at Broadmoor Hospital after being found not guilty by reason of insanity for repeatedly leaking sensitive information to a foreign power.
- Verdict: Not guilty by reason of insanity due to paranoid schizophrenia.
- Sentence: Indefinite detention under sections 37 and 41 of the Mental Health Act.
- Background: 11-year tenure at MI5 with the agency’s highest vetting clearance.
Legal Verdict and Hospital Order
Following a week-long trial at the Old Bailey in March, the 43-year-old was found not guilty by reason of insanity. Mr Justice Hilliard ruled that Joseph did not have a “guilty mind” and was unaware that his actions were wrong due to his diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia.
The judge noted that while Joseph’s illness drove his actions, there remains a serious risk to national security and individuals if his condition is not effectively treated. Consequently, Joseph is detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act.
Under the Section 41 restriction, Joseph can only be released with the permission of the Ministry of Justice and remains subject to immediate recall if his condition deteriorates or concerns arise.
Security Breach and Foreign Contact
The court heard that Joseph emailed a foreign state and traveled to Riga, Latvia, in December 2024 to attempt to arrange a meeting at a foreign embassy. These actions followed his pursuit of a complaint against MI5.
Upon his return to the UK on December 15, police stopped Joseph at Gatwick Airport. He initially refused to provide codes for seven digital devices, claiming he was an MI5 officer who required authorization.
Joseph was later arrested at an Ibis Hotel on January 30, 2025. During the arrest, he maintained he was an “armed MI5 officer,” and police discovered a lock knife in his pocket and a homemade card falsely identifying him as an MI5 agent.
Employment History and Mental Health
During his 11 years with MI5, Joseph served as a systems engineer, security IT management engineer, and senior support engineer. His contract was terminated in October 2020 after he exhibited signs of paranoia and extreme anxiety.
At the time of his termination, Joseph claimed he had been “gaslit” and “victimised.” He subsequently made various unfounded claims against the agency, including allegations of racist treatment, torture, and child abuse.
Four psychiatrists agreed that Joseph required a restricted hospital order. Dr Michael Kavuma testified that Joseph is in the early stages of treatment and does not yet fully grasp the seriousness of his actions or the associated risks.
Joseph denied four charges under the Official Secrets and National Security Acts, as well as a charge regarding the possession of a blade, but declined to give evidence in his own defense.
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