How Twitter, Blair & Cameron almost wrecked the phone-hacking trial

[super jumbe]

Comments by prime minister David Cameron, former prime minister Tony Blair and the behaviour of people on Twitter almost caused the collapse of the phone-hacking trial, it has emerged.

A series of "ill-advised" remarks by individuals given in interviews or made on social media risked bringing proceedings to a premature end, according to remarks by the trial judge that can now be reported.

Mr Justice Saunders said he was "very concerned" about the comments David Cameron made hours after Andy Coulson was found guilty of plotting to hack phones at the News of the World.

The prime minister gave an interview in which he apologised for hiring Coulson in 2007. But his remarks were made while verdicts in the trial were pending on other charges.

'It strikes at the heart of justice'
The judge said Cameron's intervention was "unsatisfactory" and set a bad example to the media.

He said he asked the prime minister for an explanation and was told by his principal private secretary: "The prime minister was responding to the guilty verdict on hacking charges that had been delivered in open court.

He did this in the light of the intense media coverage and understandable public interest. The prime minister was careful to make no further comment about any matters that might still be before the court."

http://news.uk.msn.com/uk/how-twitter-blair-and-cameron-almost-wrecked-the-phone-hacking-trial/

[GastonJ]

Too late now the jury was dismissed and Dave's mate will likely not face a retrial, and if anything will appeal or claim mistrial because of it. Well done Dave :headbang:

[Meat-Head]

Errr right, don't they use the term "contemt of court"

more interested in how it was allegildly done?

domething to do with voice mail, all I ever got was sound of folks hanging up, junk or , can you ring xxx.

sodd that got Meat Commications to turn it off

[GastonJ]

No they can't because MP's are immune from prosecution for sh*t they say in the House of Commons. It was done by phoning the 'external' voicemail number for their mobile telephones voicemail - that's why voicemail now has a pin number. No hacking involved, so easy even a journalist can do it, and if anything a pathetic attempt to blacken the names of hard working hackers who do something useful

[Meat-Head]

Huh, that's real shite on behalf of the cell phone comoanyies.

Orange (TM) has ALWAYS had a pin, THINK you have to set it up.

If a cleb looses their uShit go out and celebrate. Then Walmart fir $5 cell phone, ring up new sim, done.

[GastonJ]

Aye bet you're looking for the bird from parts mobile number now hoping she has no pin on her vioicemail

[Meat-Head]

Gee never thought of that gaston, that INFERIIR f@ke buck if your her 'friend' it's displayed, when unfruended it goes, at least DK you can stalk people that hate you.