Back in 2009, Charles Storey, above, was turned down for a job at top secret British intelligence base, GCHQ, after he told interviewers his devotion to God outweighed his loyalty to the state.
Storey, according to this report, went through a gruelling screening process at the Government’s electronic surveillance agency based in Cheltenham before he was turned down for national security reasons.
The rejection came after Storey, 44, from Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, revealed the intensity of his beliefs as a devout Christian. GCHQ also learned from Storey’s medical records that he had suffered a “drug induced psychosis” in 1991, when he was just 20.
He admitted to taking recreational drugs for nine months, but said he had put his youthful dabbling behind him and was now psychologically fit and well.
However, after passing a number of vetting interviews, Storey was told that he was “not a suitable candidate” and refused security clearance.
The computer forensics specialist and World Chess Federation master claimed he was a victim of religious and disability discrimination.
But he was disappointed again in 2013 when an employment tribunal backed GCHQ after a hearing which was held partly behind closed doors.
The tribunal said that the security concerns about Storey were partly related to his religious beliefs and past psychotic episode.
But it went on to rule that his Christian convictions and past disability were not the overriding reason for the refusal of security clearance.
GCHQ’s published policy was that it would rarely consider job applicants who had ever suffered bipolar disorder or a psychotic illness.
But the tribunal said that “did not amount to a blanket ban” and ruled that Mr Storey had not been less favourably treated because of his disability or religious beliefs.
That decision was last week confirmed by top judge, Mrs Justice Simler – but Storey has now vowed to take his case to the European Court of Human Rights.
Storey’s CV, published online, reveals his impressive credentials as an IT security consultant, testing the resilience of computer systems against hacking.
He also runs his own computer repair business, gives online advice to advanced chess players, and coaches England’s junior chess squad.
Hat tip: Angela K