? Scotland Yard says it has received 'significant new information'
? Deputy assistant commissioner Sue Akers to lead new inquiry
? NoW executive Ian Edmondson has been sacked
Follow the latest developments on our live blog
Scotland Yard today announced it is to begin a new criminal investigation into allegations of phone hacking at the News of the World.
After months of resistance by police, Scotland Yard said it had received "significant new information" about the alleged illegal practice at the Sunday tabloid's newspaper.
Shortly after the police announcement, News International confirmed that the paper's assistant editor (news), Ian Edmondson, has been sacked. Edmondson was suspended last month after allegations that he was involved in phone hacking.
In a statement, the publisher said: "The News of the World has terminated the employment of Ian Edmondson, assistant editor (news).
"Mr Edmondson was suspended in December 2010 following a serious allegation. Material evidence found during the course of the subsequent investigation has led to Mr Edmondson's dismissal.
"News International has informed the police, handed over the material it has found and will give its full cooperation going forward. News International reiterates that it will take swift and decisive action when we have proof of wrongdoing."
A fortnight ago, it was revealed that Glenn Mulcaire, the private detective at the centre of the case, had filed a high court statement alleging Edmondson had asked him to hack into mobile-phone voicemails. It is understood the paper has uncovered evidence Edmondson may have commissioned Mulcaire after trawling through Edmondson's emails as part of an internal investigation.
Police said the new investigation would not be overseen by John Yates, senior officer in charge of past reviews into phone hacking since the controversy of the extent of the practice erupted in July 2009 following a Guardian investigation.
The new investigation will be conducted by the Metropolitan police's specialist crime directorate, and be led by deputy assistant commissioner Sue Akers.
The Met has been accused of running a "lacklustre" investigation into the extent of the practice at the News of the World.
Last Friday Andy Coulson, the editor of the News of the World when a reporter was caught and jailed for hacking voicemails, resigned from his post as the prime minister's director of communications.
In a statement, Scotland Yard said: "The Metropolitan police service has today received significant new information relating to allegations of phone hacking at the News of the World in 2005-06.
"As a result, the MPS is launching a new investigation to consider this material ...
"Discussions have taken place with the director of public prosecutions ...
"The original phone-hacking investigation was undertaken by the counter-terrorism command in specialist operations. However, in view of their current workload and the continuing 'severe' [terrorist] threat level, it has been agreed that it is no longer appropriate to divert them or acting deputy commissioner John Yates from their main duties and responsibilities.
"Accordingly this new investigation will be led by deputy assistant commissioner Sue Akers from the specialist crime directorate."
On Monday, Keir Starmer QC, the director of public prosecutions, discussed the case with the Met's acting commissioner, Tim Godwin, and Yates.
The momentum of the controversy has been intensifying over the past few weeks. One of the most significant developments was the Crown Prosecution Service changing its mind about the level of evidence needed to prove an offence of phone hacking.
It has decided less evidence would be needed to prove an offence than previously thought, in treating the chances that a criminal charge could be brought.
The CPS decision to take a "more robust" approach followed discussions among its senior lawyers.
Previously, the CPS was of the view that an offence of phone hacking could only be proved if the evidence could be secured to show that a phone had been hacked before its owner had a chance to hear the message.
Now the CPS believes the offence may have been committed if a phone was hacked and a message listened to by a journalist or private eye at any time, even if its owner had already heard it.
A number of public figures, including actor Sienna Miller, comedian Steve Coogan and football agent Sky Andrew, are suing the News of the World for breach of privacy alleging their phones were hacked.
Mulcaire and Clive Goodman, the paper's former royal editor, were jailed in January 2007 after pleading guilty to intercepting voicemails left on mobile phones belonging to members of the royal household. The paper insisted that the two men were acting alone and without the knowledge of senior executives, including Coulson.
? To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email editor@mediaguardian.co.uk or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000.
? If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/jan/26/news-of-the-world-phone-hacking
Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud King Abdulla Osama bin Laden Tony Blair Sam Brownback
No comments:
Post a Comment