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'Fake sheikh' Mazher Mahmood appears in court 'Fake sheikh' Mazher Mahmood appears in court
(about 1 hour later)
The undercover reporter known as the fake sheikh has appeared in court charged with conspiring to pervert the course of justice.The undercover reporter known as the fake sheikh has appeared in court charged with conspiring to pervert the course of justice.
Mazher Mahmood, 52, is alleged to have misled the court during the collapsed drugs trial of pop star Tulisa Contostavlos.Mazher Mahmood, 52, is alleged to have misled the court during the collapsed drugs trial of pop star Tulisa Contostavlos.
The former News of the World journalist appeared in the dock on Friday for a five-minute hearing at Westminster magistrates court in London. He arrived at the court hidden behind an umbrella and flanked by several men, as he was angrily confronted by a man in a motorcycle helmet.The former News of the World journalist appeared in the dock on Friday for a five-minute hearing at Westminster magistrates court in London. He arrived at the court hidden behind an umbrella and flanked by several men, as he was angrily confronted by a man in a motorcycle helmet.
Dressed in a black hooded jacket and glasses, Mahmood spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address. He sat in the dock with Alan Smith, 66, a retired driver from Norfolk, who is charged with the same offence.Dressed in a black hooded jacket and glasses, Mahmood spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address. He sat in the dock with Alan Smith, 66, a retired driver from Norfolk, who is charged with the same offence.
The charge states that between 22 June and 22 July 2014, Mahmood and Smith conspired to do an act, namely that Smith would change a draft statement to police, with the intention to pervert the course of justice.The charge states that between 22 June and 22 July 2014, Mahmood and Smith conspired to do an act, namely that Smith would change a draft statement to police, with the intention to pervert the course of justice.
Lawyers for the men indicated they would plead not guilty as the case was sent to Southwark crown court in London for a hearing on 3 December. Mahmood and Smith were released on unconditional bail.Lawyers for the men indicated they would plead not guilty as the case was sent to Southwark crown court in London for a hearing on 3 December. Mahmood and Smith were released on unconditional bail.
The case was due to be heard at the Westminster court last month but was adjourned on health grounds, a court official said.The case was due to be heard at the Westminster court last month but was adjourned on health grounds, a court official said.
Mahmood spent 25 years as an undercover reporter and claimed to have helped put more than 100 criminals behind bars. Mahmood spent 25 years as an undercover reporter and claims to have helped put more than 100 criminals behind bars.
News UK, which publishes the Sun, said Mahmood remained suspended from the newspaper.News UK, which publishes the Sun, said Mahmood remained suspended from the newspaper.