CPS statement on phone hacking charges

Rebekah Brooks, her husband Charlie and four other people are being charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice as part of the phone hacking inquiry.

Confirmation of the decision came from Alison Levitt, QC, principal legal adviser to the Director of Public Prosecutions overseeing CPS decision-making, and all potential prosecutions, in relation to the ongoing phone hacking inquiries and related matters.

Miss Levitt said she was making a statement "in the interests of transparency and accountability to explain the decision to charge".

She said the CPS received a file of evidence from the Metropolitan Police on 27 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.

Miss Levitt said: "All the evidence has now carefully been considered.

"Applying the two-stage test in the code for Crown prosecutors I have concluded that in relation to all suspects except the seventh, there is sufficient evidence for there to be a realistic prospect of conviction.

"I then considered the second stage of the test, and I have concluded that a prosecution is required in the public interest in relation to each of the other six.

"All seven suspects have this morning been informed of my decisions.

"They are all due to answer their bail at police stations later today. When they do so, they will be charged as follows:

" <bold>Charge one</bold> - conspiracy to pervert the course of justice:

" <bold>Rebekah Brooks</bold> between 6 July and 19 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

" <bold>Charge two</bold> - conspiracy to pervert the course of justice

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

" <bold>Charge three</bold> - conspiracy to pervert the course of justice

" <bold>Rebekah Brooks, Charles Brooks, Mark Hanna, Paul Edwards </bold>and <bold>Daryl Jorsling </bold>conspired together and with persons unknown, between 15 July and 19 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.

"Following charge, these individuals will appear before Westminster Magistrates Court on a date to be determined.

"No further action will be taken against the seventh suspect.

"May I remind all concerned that these six individuals now will be charged with criminal offences and that each has a right to a fair trial. It is very important that nothing is said, or reported, which could prejudice that trial. For these reasons it would be inappropriate for me to comment further."