10/12/2010

No Criminal Charge Over Phone-Hacking Claims

Following an investigation into phone hacking claims at the News of the World David Cameron's Director of Communications, Andy Coulson, will not be facing criminal charges.

Keir Starmer, Director of Public Prosecutions, said that no evidence existed to formally charge anyone.

The QC said Sean Hoare, a former News of the World reporter, made claims in a New York Times article that Mr Coulson was questioned by police under caution but would not comment.

Other witnesses "either refused to co-operate with the police investigation, provided short statements which did not advance matters, or denied any knowledge of wrongdoing".

Mr Starmer added: "The contents of the reports in the New York Times and the associated reports and coverage are not enough for criminal proceedings unless those making allegations are prepared to provide the police with admissible evidence to support their assertions.

"None have been prepared to do so."

Any further allegations that are made will be investigated by a panel of police officers and prosecutors.

Today Mr Coulson told the court: "I don't accept there was a culture of phone hacking at the News of the World.

"As far as my reporters were concerned they were to work within the law and to work within the PCC (Press Complaints Commission) code."

(BMcN/GK)


Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

24 November 2011
'Questions Remain' Despite Murdoch Jnr Resignation
Labour's Media Secretary has said that James Murdoch still had questions to answer despite stepping down from the board of News Group Newspapers. News International, a News Corp.
09 July 2009
Cameron Defends Under-Fire Adviser
David Cameron has vowed to stand by a former News of the World journalist - now working as a top Tory media adviser - accused of allowing phone tapping to be carried out under his watch as editor of the paper.
23 October 2014
Police Killer Harry Roberts To Be Released From Prison
A notorious killer is set to be released from prison after serving 48 years. Harry Roberts, 78, was jailed for killing three unarmed police officers in Shepherds Bush, west London in 1966. Roberts has allegedly been cleared for release by a parole board.
14 September 2007
Portuguese Police Examine Kate McCann's Diary
Portuguese police are reportedly examining a copy of Madeleine McCann's mother's diary as they continue to investigate the four-year-old's disappearance. The BBC reported that police are examining a photocopy of Kate McCann's private diary, as well as a laptop belonging to her husband, Gerry.
15 August 2013
Sky News Cameraman Killed In Egypt
A Sky news cameraman has been shot and killed while covering the ongoing violence in Cairo, Egypt. The broadcaster confirmed the death of 61-year-old Mick Deane on Wednesday. Mr Dean had worked for Sky for 15 years. In a statement, Head of Sky News, John Ryley, paid tribute to an "experienced journalist" and a "much-loved colleague".