Jury's verdict in phone hacking trial: Andy Coulson guilty, Rebekah Brooks walks free

News of the World editor Andy Coulson has been declared guilty of conspiracy to hack phones. Ex-NotW editor Rebekah Brooks innocent of all charges.

By Dave Lancaster |

18:06 24 June 2014

Andy Coulson has been found guilty over phone hacking charges after a notorious trial of media practices came to an end after eight months. 

 

Coulson, who edited the now defunct News of the World paper and was a former Downing Street spin doctor and communications chief for Prime Minister David Cameron, was convicted on Tuesday 24th at the Old Bailey. 

 

He reportedly stood emotionless as his verdict was read out to the court. 

 

Former NotW editor Rebekah Brooks was cleared of all four charges against her. She looked 'faint and close to tears' according to the Guardian. 

 

Also cleared was Brooks' husband Charlie of one count. Brooks' secretary Cheryl Carter and News International's head of security Mark Hanna were all cleared of one count each of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. Retired managing editor Stuart Kuttner walked free as well. 

 

The jury of eight women and three men returned after deliberations that lasted eight days. 

 

As yet it isn't known how much (if any) jail time Coulson will face. 

 

But it isn't over yet... The jury is still deliberating over further charges brought against Coulson and the former News of the World royal editor Clive Goodman of 'conspiring to commit misconduct in a public office' by allegedly paying police officials for access to two royal directories.