Russia sentences Brit fighter James Scott Rhys Anderson, 22, to 19yrs in gulag after he was captured in Kursk invasion

RUSSIA has sentenced British fight James Scott Rhys Anderson, 22, to 19 years in the gulag after he was brutally captured in the Kursk region.

The ex British Army squaddie was sentenced by Russian authorities after a trial at the 2nd Western District Military Court in Kursk, the court said on Telegram.

Footage shows the Brit identifying himself as James Scott Rhys Anderson

The trial was held from March 3 to 5, which came after the 22-year-old Brit was held on charges of “committing particularly serious crimes in the Kursk region”.

A Telegram account for the United press service of the judicial system of the region said Anderson was accused under the terrorist act of the Russian criminal code, as well as “mercenarism”.

His case was considered during a closed session, with an Armed Forces of Ukraine soldier who served with the former Brit soldier “questioned as a witness,” the court said.

According to a Telegram post, Anderson “admitted guilt” to “incriminating acts, citing that he decided to take part in the armed conflict because of monetary compensation”.

The post adds: “During the court debate, the state prosecutor asked to find Anderson guilty of the incriminated acts and to sentence him to 20 years of imprisonment for the totality of the crimes, including 7 years in prison, the remaining term in a maximum security penal colony.

“The defense asked to exclude a number of aggravating circumstances, to recognize the admission of guilt and repentance as mitigating circumstances.

“As a result, on March 5, 2025, the 2nd Western District Military Court announced the verdict. James Scott Rees Anderson was found guilty under paragraphs “a”, “c” of Part 2 of Article 205 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and Part 3 of Article 359 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, and he was finally sentenced to 19 years of imprisonment with the first 5 years to be served in prison, then in a maximum security penal colony.”

Anderson has been seen in various footage filmed by Russian officials after he was taken prisoner late last year.

The Foreign Office has been approached for comment.

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