Kentish Town soldier ‘sold Prince Harry military secrets to tabloids for £16,000’

A Household Cavalry soldier from Kentish Town made more than £16,000 leaking Prince Harry secrets to News International newspapers, the Old Bailey has heard.

Lance Corporal Paul Brunt, 33, sold 31 stories about the royal’s military career to the News of the World and The Sun in 2006 and 2007, a ja trial heard on Monday.

Stories he is alleged to have sold include a front page article called the “Swastika Shame of Prince Harry’s regiment”, which earnt him £5,000, the court was told.

In total, the jury heard he received £9,450 from the News of the World and £7,200 from The Sun.

When he was discovered, Brunt said it was “easy money” and claimed the information was not “secret”, the court was told.

“These stories could not conceivably be said to be stories which were important in the public interest,” prosecutor Julian Christopher QC said. He added that Brunt flouted strict rules governing soldiers which meant he was guilty of misconduct in public office.

Brunt is the last suspect due to stand trial under Operation Elveden, the four-year Metropolitan Police investigation into alleged misconduct between the press and public officials.

Brunt, of Bartholomew Road, denies two counts of misconduct in public office. The trial continues.