British soldier ignored order to remove his SIM card, then became a blackmail victim

A British Army soldier, Barton-Kennedy, was tried by court-martial for disobeying a security order: he had been told to remove the SIM card from his mobile phone but did not. He later became the victim of blackmail. The case shows how service members' personal devices can become a security risk.

The blackmail message

On January 19, Barton-Kennedy told his platoon commander that he had received a message from an unknown party. That person had obtained nude photographs from the photo section of his phone and had identified him on social media. He initially agreed to pay the blackmailer 100 pounds ($133), but refused when asked for 250 pounds ($333). Only then did he tell his commander what had happened.

Court proceedings

At a court-martial hearing on July 30, Barton-Kennedy pleaded guilty. According to court filings, he understood the order given to him but asked the court to consider his personal circumstances. Without his phone, he said, he could not reach his daughter on her birthday or his pregnant partner.

In a written statement, the soldier said the first blackmail message left him stunned. Even while in a state of shock and uncertainty, he wrote, he recognized a duty to report the compromise without further delay. He also said he deeply regrets the incident and described serving in the British Army as one of the greatest privileges of his life.

His appeal against the sentence was denied in August 2026.

The Army's position

Lt. Col. EP Mackie, a British Army spokesperson, told the technology outlet Ars Technica that the security measures are intended to protect the safety of military personnel. He said any breaches that might compromise personal safeguarding or operational security will be dealt with swiftly, and that offenders can expect uncompromising disciplinary action.