30/11/2011

Woman Arrested In Connection With Phone Hacking Inquiry

In a fresh development detectives investigating phone hacking by the media have arrested a 31-year-old woman.

The woman who has not yet been named was arrested in the North-East of England at around 6am this morning and is being held in a local police station.

Ironically the Leveson Inquiry into press standards has had the spot light in the media since the investigation got underway.

VIPs and Celebrities have already addressed the panel giving their accounts of how their privacy was invaded by journalists. While the Guardian's Nick Davies - who exposed the News Of The World phone hacking affair - former features editor at the Sunday tabloid, Paul McMullan- and former Daily Star reporter Richard Peppiatt yesterday gave their 'professional' accounts.

This latest arrest comes after Former News International Chief Executive Rebekah Brooks and ex-Downing Street Communications Chief Andy Coulson, who have already been arrested as part of the inquiry.

The Background

The Metropolitan Police's Operation Weeting began by investigating illegal hacking of the mobile phone voicemails of public figures by the now-defunct News of the World newspaper.

Meanwhile the Prime Minister announced the two-part inquiry to investigate the role of the press and police in the phone-hacking scandal, on 13 July 2011.

Lord Justice Leveson was appointed as Chairman of the Inquiry- it became known as the Leveson Inquiry.

The first part of which will examine the culture, practices and ethics of the media. In particular, Lord Justice Leveson will examine the relationship of the press with the public, police and politicians. He is assisted by a panel of six independent assessors with expertise in key issues being considered by the Inquiry.

(LB)

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