THE Royal Navy whistleblower who exposed “catastrophic safety and security failings” involving Britain’s Trident nuclear missile system said yesterday he would hand himself over to military authorities after going on the run.

Able Seaman William McNeilly produced an 18-page report exposing failings which he said could cause a nuclear explosion in dock in Scotland or on patrol. He served on Trident-bearing submarine HMS Victorious.

His report alleged 30 safety and security flaws on the submarines, describing this as a “disaster waiting to happen.” Failings included rarely checking ID cards or bags and equipment from contractors and crew, a nuclear missile compartment being used as a gym and personal portable electronics being used near nuclear missiles.

The Royal Navy said the Trident submarine fleet operated “under the most stringent safety regime.”

Mr McNeilly said he was not hiding from arrest and would be back in Britain in the next few days and will hand himself in to the police.

“Prison — such a nice reward for sacrificing everything to warn the public and government.

“Unfortunately that’s the world we live in. I know it’s a lot to sacrifice and it is a hard road to walk down, but other people need to start coming forward.”

Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament general secretary Kate Hudson said: “Make no mistake, these are damning charges against the UK’s nuclear weapons system. While Trident is supposed to keep us safe, this report paints a nightmarish picture of just how close we may have come to the UK’s own nukes causing the greatest catastrophe this country has ever seen.”

The government — with Labour support — plans to approve the updating of the Trident system.