24/06/2014

Andy Coulson Found Guilty Of Phone Hacking

Andy Coulson, the former News of the World editor, has been found guilty of conspiracy to hack phones.

Rebekah Brooks was also on trial, however she was cleared of all charges.

Coulson and Brooks, a former News International chief executive, were among seven defendants on trial at the Old Bailey.

Mr Coulson was found guilty of a charge of conspiracy to intercept voicemails, while Mrs Brooks was found not guilty of conspiracy to hack voicemails, two counts of conspiracy to pay public officials and two counts of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

Following the verdict, Prime Minister David Cameron publicly apologised for employing Mr Coulson as his Director of Communications. He said: "I take full responsibility for employing Andy Coulson.

"I did so on the basis of undertakings I was given by him about phone hacking and those turn out not to be the case.

"I always said that if they turned out to be wrong I would make a full and frank apology and I do that today.

"I am extremely sorry I employed him. It was the wrong decision and I am clear about that."

(CVS/JP)

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