Rebekah Brooks charged over phone-hacking scandal

[muriel_volestrangler]

Source: Reuters

Rebekah Brooks, a former chief executive of Rupert Murdoch's British newspaper arm, has been charged with perverting the course of justice over a phone hacking scandal at one of the media mogul's papers, British prosecutors said on Tuesday.

"I have concluded ... there is sufficient evidence for there to be a realistic prospect of conviction," said Alison Levitt, Principal Legal Advisor to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Also charged were Brooks's race horse trainer husband Charlie, her secretary and other staff from News International, including her driver and security officials from the British newspaper arm of Murdoch's News Corp media empire.


Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/15/us-britain-hacking-idUSBRE84E0DF20120515?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc=71

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The reason her husband is charged as well is because this appears to be about the attempt to dispose of her laptop, and, when it was found, his claim that it was his, and that he had a right to destroy it.

The charges:

The Crown Prosecution Service received a file of evidence from the Metropolitan Police Service on 27th March 2012 in relation to seven suspects:

Rebekah Brooks;
Charles Brooks;
Cheryl Carter - Mrs Brooks' personal assistant;
Mark Hanna - Head of Security at News International;
Paul Edwards - Mrs Brooks' chauffeur who was employed by News International;
Daryl Jorsling and a seventh suspect - both of whom provided security for Mrs Brooks supplied by News International.
...
CHARGE 1 - CONSPIRACY TO PERVERT THE COURSE OF JUSTICE

Rebekah Brooks between 6th July and 19th July 2011 conspired with Charles Brooks, Cheryl Carter, Mark Hanna, Paul Edwards, Daryl Jorsling and persons unknown to conceal material from officers of the Metropolitan Police Service.

CHARGE 2 - CONSPIRACY TO PERVERT THE COURSE OF JUSTICE

Rebekah Brooks and Cheryl Carter between 6th July and 9th July 2011 conspired together permanently to remove seven boxes of material from the archive of News International.

CHARGE 3 - CONSPIRACY TO PERVERT THE COURSE OF JUSTICE

Rebekah Brooks, Charles Brooks, Mark Hanna, Paul Edwards and Daryl Jorsling conspired together and with persons unknown, between 15th July and 19th July 2011, to conceal documents, computers and other electronic equipment from officers of the Metropolitan Police Service.

"All these matters relate to the ongoing police investigation into allegations of phone hacking and corruption of public officials in relation to the News of the World and The Sun newspapers.

http://www.cps.gov.uk/news/press_statements/charging_announcement_in_relation_to_offences_of_perverting_the_course_of_justice_against_rebekah_brooks_and_others/

Interesting that the CPS statement mentions corruption of of public officials as well as phone hacking. It's the bribery of the police and an MoD official that, if proved, is likely to carry jail sentences, I think. Though conspiracy to pervert the course of justice can get jail sentences too - as Tory cabinet ministers know.

[Ex-Pat Pats Fan]

1. but, but, but she's PURDY! How kin dey arest a PURDY woomyn?

Incidentally, you've got the funniest username I have thus far seen here!

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. And, perhaps related, 'follow the money' ...

An employee of HM Revenue and Customs was arrested today by detectives investigating corrupt payments to public officials.

The 50-year-old man was held on suspicion of misconduct in a public office by officers from Operation Elveden.

Scotland Yard said a 43-year-old woman was also arrested at the address in north west London.

She was held on suspicion of aiding and abetting misconduct in a public office and money-laundering offences.

Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/uk/hacking-scandal-rebekah-brooks-lashes-out-at-cps-as-charges-are-announced-16158906.html#ixzz1uvhRexGM

My username is courtesy of John Cleese; he 'borrowed it' and changed it a little from Marty Feldman and Barry Took.

[maddezmom]

3. hopefully more will be charged n/t

[sarcasmo]

4. Ruppert shouild be on that list.

[GliderGuider]

5. I was wondering when that laptop would re-surface...

I remember thinking at the time that they were probably crapping in their bloomers over it.

[Uncle Joe]

6. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, muriel.

[progressoid]

7. "perverting the course of justice"

That's not the only thing that has bee perverted.

[T_i_B]

8. That's why we have the Leveson enquiry

This scandal encompasses major corruption in politics, the press and the police. it's pretty serious.

[progressoid]

9. We need such an inquiry here as well.

But I'm not holding my breath waiting for it.