Journalism in the dock: the prosecution rests

Andy Coulson: out of town on key dates in prosecution evidence. Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

The phone hacking trial which began on 28 October, has entered the final phase of the prosecution case. On trialalong with five others are Rebekah Brooks, former chief executive of News International, former editor of the News of the World and The Sun; and Andy Coulson, the prime minister’s former communications chief and, before that, editor of the News of the World.

Brooks is charged with conspiracy to intercept communications by listening to mobile phone messages, plus two further counts of allegedly making corrupt payments to public officials and two final accusations that she allegedly conspired to pervert the course of justice by removing and concealing evidence. Coulson is charged with conspiracy to hack phones and conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public place.

As the prosecution case drew to a close, the judge in proceedings, Mr Justice Saunders, warned the court that the trial may run to seven months. Speaking to the jury he said: “The worst-case scenario which you have to be prepared for … we estimate that the latest time you are going to go out to consider your verdict will be the middle of May.”

So, with the defence teams not due to begin their arguments until 17 February, let’s examine the final weeks of prosecution.

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