Half Time at the Phone Hacking Trial

Below is a reprint of my article for Independent Australia which appeared today, links and video courtesy of them. 

AT THE BEGINNING of the phone hacking trial in London, which began nearly four months ago, the judge, Justice Saunders, said:

“… not only are the defendants on trial, but British justice is on trial.”

He could have added, given the nature of the charges and the defendants, so too is the British media, which is second only to Australia in the English speaking world in its heavily concentrated ownership.

Now that we’re at a half time mark at the central criminal court of the Old Bailey, with the prosecution having made its case, and the seven defendants – including former CEO of Rupert Murdoch’s News International, Rebekah Brooks, and British Prime Minister David Cameron’s former press supremo, Andy Coulson – about to mount their defence, how has the legal struggle in court been reflected in the aerial warfare of the newsstands, airwaves and internet?

Hacking Trial Live Tweets – 31 Jan

Friday 31 January 2014

Summary
	The Prosecution Case Continues
		Mr Justice Saunders thanks the jury for overcoming transport problems
		Counsel for Andy Coulson continues his cross examination of Dan Evans
		Evans asked about use of drugs
		Further Prosecution questions to Dan Evans
	Witness – Sienna Miller
		Counsel for the Prosecution questions Sienna Miller
		Counsel for Coulson cross-examines Sienna Miller

Hacking Trial Live Tweets – 30 Jan

Thursday 30 January 2014

Summary
	The Prosecution Case Continues
		Counsel for Andy Coulson continues his cross examination of Dan Evans
		Dan Evans changes testimony on Sienna Miller
		Evans apologises for his evidence on Sienna Miller message
		Evans says he wanted to get caught
		Coulson questions being in office when Evans plays tape
		Evans cross-examined on making a copy of the tape
		Evans to return for more cross-examination

Hacking Trial Live Tweets – 29 Jan

Wednesday 29 January 2014

Summary
	The Prosecution Case Continues
		Counsel for Andy Coulson begins his cross examination of Dan Evans
		Civil Proceedings against Dan Evans for the Hacking of Kelly Hoppen
		Dan Evans Agrees to Cooperate with Police
		Evans seeks Immunity
		Evans changes Solicitor
		Mr Justice Saunders gives notice of Video Link with Sienna Miller on Friday
		Evans Cross-examined on Hacking Daniel Craig
		Evans questioned on joining News of the World
		Counsel for Andy Coulson questions Evans on Hacking

Hacking Trial Live Tweets – 28 Jan

Tuesday 28 January 2014

Summary
	The Prosecution Case Continues
		Delay due to problems on the Underground
	Witness – Dan Evans (Former Sunday Mirror and News of the World Journalist)
		The Prosecution continue their questioning of Dan Evans
		Evans gets rid of Evidence after Glen Mulcaire Arrest
		Evans goes back to Phone Hacking
		Evans describes Phone Hacking at News of the World
		Evans hacks Daniel Craig’s phone
		Evans says he told Andy Coulson about Daniel Craig hacking
		Daniel Craig story Breaks
		Dan Evans is caught Hacking
		Cross-examination Delayed due to Missing Papers

NOTW journalist hacked ‘thousands’ of voicemails ‘most days’: Jude Law alleges US Hacking

Me snapping the paps snapping Dan Evans.

A quick round up of my two colleagues reporting from the Old Bailey, Martin Hickman and James Doleman, from the opening of week 12 of the Hacking Trial, which turned out to be full of revelations as you can see from my twitter compilation for the day. 

Hacking Trial Live Tweets – 27 Jan

Monday 27 January 2014

Summary
	The Prosecution Case Continues
		The Prosecution return to Count 1 – Phone Hacking
	Witness – Jude Law
		Prosecution Counsel questions Jude Law
		Counsel for Andy Coulson cross examines Jude Law
		Further Prosecution questions to Jude Law
		A member of Jude Law’s family sold stories to the News of the World
	Witness – Dan Evans (Former Sunday Mirror and News of the World Journalist)
		Dan Evans name is added to Count 1
		Dan Evans has pleaded guilty to four counts
		Prosecution Counsel questions Dan Evans
		Dan Evans meets Andy Coulson
		Dan Evans given list of Phone Hacking tragets

Hacking Trial Live Tweets – 30 Oct

Wednesday 30 October 2013

Summary
	The Prosecution Opening Statement
		Counsel for the Prosecution Anthony Edis QC
		The Defendants
		The Charges
		Guilty Pleas
		The Prosecution Case on Phone Hacking