Matthew Hedges: British student sentenced to life in jail for spying confessed to charges, prosecutors say

Mr Hedges with his wife, Daniela Tejada
PA

A British academic sentenced to life in jail in the UAE for spying confessed to the charges when confronted with evidence, prosecutors have said.

Matthew Hedges, 31, a Durham University student, said he was innocent and had in fact been researching the country’s security strategy for a PhD.

His sentencing sparked a furious response from Britain, with Mr Hedge’s devastated wife Daniela Tejada saying: “I am in complete shock and I don’t know what to do. Matthew is innocent.”

UAE Attorney General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, said Mr Hedges pleaded guilty to all charges after the court presented him with "compelling legal evidence”.

Mr Hedges and his wife
PA

''The defendant confessed in detail to his crimes during investigations whereby he was accorded his full rights and assurances as per the UAE Constitution and state laws to fair and transparent trial,'' he said in a statement seen by the BBC.

The prosecutor's statement did not specify the charges. Mr Hedges’ family and state-run UAE newspaper The National, citing a separate court statement, said he was convicted of spying.

Theresa May said she is "deeply disappointed and concerned" about the case, adding that the Foreign Office will remain in close contact with Mr Hedges and his family.

Mr Hedges, 31, who is accused of spying on behalf of the British Government, was shaking as he was sentenced to life imprisonment in a five-minute hearing at an Abu Dhabi court on Wednesday, his wife said.

Matthew Hedges pictured with his wife Daniela Tejada
PA

She said the couple's "nightmare has gotten even worse" as Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt threatened the UAE with "serious diplomatic consequences" if leaders do not reconsider.

Mrs May told MPs: "The Foreign Office will remain in close contact with Matthew, his family and his lawyer.

"We will continue to do all we can to support them as they consider the next steps and we will continue to press this matter at the highest level with the Emiratis.

Jeremy Hunt, the Foreign Secretary, said consular officials had been in contact with Mr Hedges' family and added he was "deeply shocked" at the verdict, having personally raised the case with the UAE government.

"We will continue to do everything possible to support him," Mr Hunt said.

"I have repeatedly made clear that the handling of this case by the UAE authorities will have repercussions for the relationship between our two countries, which has to be built on trust."

Mr Hunt added that his department will do "all we can" to bring Mr Hedges home over the "extremely worrying" matter while he said the UAE has shared no evidence with the UK to back up the charges.

Agencies contributed to this report.

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