06/09/2010
Met Police To Re-Open Phone Hacking Inquiry
The Metropolitan Police is to examine new evidence regarding claims of phone-hacking by News of the World journalists.
The new move follows claims by former News of the World reporter Sean Hoare that he had been told by the paper's former editor Andy Coulson - now Communications Director for Downing Street - to intercept phone messages.
Former journalists also told the New York Times that the practice of hacking into phones was far more extensive than had been previously acknowledged.
Assistant Police Commissioner John Yates said that the Metropolitan Police had asked the New York Times to provide additional material for their investigation. He told reporters: "We have sought additional material from them (the New York Times) and will consider this material, along with Sean Hoare's recent BBC radio interview, and will consult the Crown Prosecution Service on how best to progress it."
On Monday, Mr Coulson confirmed that he would be happy to meet the Metropolitan Police to discuss the allegations.
In 2007, the News of the World's royal editor Clive Goodman and private investigator Glenn Mulcaire were jailed for intercepting phones messages, but a Commons Culture Committee found no evidence that Mr Coulson approved the phone-hacking or was even aware of its existence.
Mr Coulson has firmly denied using or condoning the practice while he was editor of the paper. He resigned from his post during the original investigation into illegal phone tapping.
Former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has claimed that his phone was hacked, as has former Labour Minister Tessa Jowell.
Mr Prescott has also threatened to take legal action to force the police to release any documents relating to him that were seized during the original investigation.
All five Labour leadership candidates have also called for a fresh inquiry into the claims.
(KMcA/GK)
The new move follows claims by former News of the World reporter Sean Hoare that he had been told by the paper's former editor Andy Coulson - now Communications Director for Downing Street - to intercept phone messages.
Former journalists also told the New York Times that the practice of hacking into phones was far more extensive than had been previously acknowledged.
Assistant Police Commissioner John Yates said that the Metropolitan Police had asked the New York Times to provide additional material for their investigation. He told reporters: "We have sought additional material from them (the New York Times) and will consider this material, along with Sean Hoare's recent BBC radio interview, and will consult the Crown Prosecution Service on how best to progress it."
On Monday, Mr Coulson confirmed that he would be happy to meet the Metropolitan Police to discuss the allegations.
In 2007, the News of the World's royal editor Clive Goodman and private investigator Glenn Mulcaire were jailed for intercepting phones messages, but a Commons Culture Committee found no evidence that Mr Coulson approved the phone-hacking or was even aware of its existence.
Mr Coulson has firmly denied using or condoning the practice while he was editor of the paper. He resigned from his post during the original investigation into illegal phone tapping.
Former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has claimed that his phone was hacked, as has former Labour Minister Tessa Jowell.
Mr Prescott has also threatened to take legal action to force the police to release any documents relating to him that were seized during the original investigation.
All five Labour leadership candidates have also called for a fresh inquiry into the claims.
(KMcA/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 April 2012
Almost 50 New Phone Hacking Claims Made Against NOTW
News International is facing almost 50 new claims over phone hacking. The high court has heard that nearly 50 new civil claims for damages have been made against the News of the World over alleged phone hacking.
Almost 50 New Phone Hacking Claims Made Against NOTW
News International is facing almost 50 new claims over phone hacking. The high court has heard that nearly 50 new civil claims for damages have been made against the News of the World over alleged phone hacking.
29 January 2015
Sky To Launch New Mobile Phone Service
A new mobile phone service is to be launched by pay-TV company Sky in partnership Telefonica, O2's Spanish parent company. Sky, adding mobile to its internet, landline and TV, will use Telefonica UK's wireless network to offer the new service.
Sky To Launch New Mobile Phone Service
A new mobile phone service is to be launched by pay-TV company Sky in partnership Telefonica, O2's Spanish parent company. Sky, adding mobile to its internet, landline and TV, will use Telefonica UK's wireless network to offer the new service.
24 February 2005
NHS to be banned from using premium rate phone numbers
The Department of Health has announced plans to ban the NHS from using expensive phone numbers, which cost patients more to contact NHS services. Health Minister John Hutton announced that the NHS would be banned from using premium and national rates for healthcare services, such as GPs, from April.
NHS to be banned from using premium rate phone numbers
The Department of Health has announced plans to ban the NHS from using expensive phone numbers, which cost patients more to contact NHS services. Health Minister John Hutton announced that the NHS would be banned from using premium and national rates for healthcare services, such as GPs, from April.
24 July 2012
Eight To Be Charged With Phone Hacking
Rebekah Brooks, Andy Coulson and six others will face a total of 19 charges relating to phone hacking, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has said. The former News of the World editors will be charged in connection with the accessing of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler's phone messages.
Eight To Be Charged With Phone Hacking
Rebekah Brooks, Andy Coulson and six others will face a total of 19 charges relating to phone hacking, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has said. The former News of the World editors will be charged in connection with the accessing of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler's phone messages.
06 April 2007
New measures to tackle violent crime introduced
New measures aimed at tackling gun and knife crime have come into force. Under the new measures, part of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006, it is now an offence to use someone to hide or carry a weapon, with a maximum sentence of four years in the case of knives and ten years in the case of guns.
New measures to tackle violent crime introduced
New measures aimed at tackling gun and knife crime have come into force. Under the new measures, part of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006, it is now an offence to use someone to hide or carry a weapon, with a maximum sentence of four years in the case of knives and ten years in the case of guns.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.