According to a Mofa spokesman, the defendant, identified as Ian J Stones, committed the “crime of illegally obtaining intelligence for overseas actors”.
The spokesperson went on to say that he had appealed the sentence, but that in September of last year the case was upheld.
Only on Friday was this made public during a Mofa briefing.
As per a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) article, Stones, who is estimated to be around 70 years old, spent forty years working in China for major US companies like Pfizer and General Motors.
About fifteen years ago, he founded an investment management consulting business in Beijing, according to the Wall Street Journal, which cited corporate documents online.
Wang Wenbin, a spokesman for Mofa, stated that Beijing had “fully guaranteed the various legitimate rights” and that the court had “tried the case strictly in accordance with the law.” He also said that British officials had been invited to visit him and witness his trial.
Stones’ daughter told the Wall Street Journal that only one hearing was allowed to be witnessed by embassy representatives and one family member, not the actual trial. She also said that none of them had been allowed to view any of the case’s legal documents.
Additionally, she stated that although her father had been healthy prior to his imprisonment, he had suffered from “inconsistent medical care and poor nutrition leading to severe and life-threatening injuries.”
Ms. Stones stated that although British Embassy employees have been able to check on Stones every four to six weeks, there have been extended intervals during which they have not heard from Stones and have not been allowed to make any consular visits.
Mr. Wang further stated in a statement that Stones was charged with “being bribed into providing intelligence by external forces”.
“The judicial organs strictly promote the handling of cases in accordance with the law, safeguarding the rights and legitimate interests of both Chinese nationals and foreigners,” he stated.
