MI5 spy to stand trial over sexual assault of colleague Judge Alistair McCreath ruled in October that the spy should have his identity protected on the grounds that there could be a "real and immediate risk to his life." The prosecution suggested today that all the witnesses in the case should also give evidence from behind a screen and in most cases be referred to by a combination of their first names and code numbers. Judge McCreath asked the prosecution to make a formal application for anonymity to be granted to witnesses. He said: "It's just the distaste one instinctively feels when the trial is conducted and the public don't know the name of the accused and they don't know the names of any of the witnesses. I am not saying it isn't the right course - I am very reluctant to do it on the nod. The judge stressed that the jury will be able to see the defendant and all the witnesses during the trial. The spy was granted conditional bail until his trial, which is due to start on June 24 and expected to last for seven days.