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Leveson inquiry: Sue Akers, Paul Dacre, Dan Wootton - live Leveson inquiry: Sue Akers, Paul Dacre, Dan Wootton - live
(40 minutes later)
11.19am: Lord Justice Leveson asks Wootton about newspapers in his native New Zealand.
Wootton says that there is a self-regulatory body that is not made up of serving editors. Newspapers in New Zealand are compelled to publish findings of the regulator in full if they are found against, he says.
11.15am: Wootton is now working for the Daily Mail, a magazine and a TV programme.
He is asked about Hugh Grant and stories last year about the birth of his daughter.
"I was very concerned and disappointed when I heard one aspect of Hugh Grant's evidence," he says.
He suggests that Grant's publicists in the US have a policy of not speaking to British tabloids and describes this as "frustrating" when a journalist is attempting to give right of reply. "I definitely think there needs to be a two-way street."
11.11am: Wootton says he would not write about Hugh Grant, for example, because "he didn't seem to enjoy being a celebrity".
He says it is "naive" to say you can be a Hollywood celebrity and bemoan the press attention that comes with the role.
"All celebrities have a right to privacy," Wootton says, adding that in particular areas – sexuality, health issues, children – this is sacrosanct.
11.08am: Wootton is asked about the public interest.
He gives the example of one celebrity who was employed by a supermarket brand and had spoken publicly about her family life amid allegations of drug abuse. He suggests this was in the public interest because it showed hypocrisy.
He contrasts this with another celebrity who had not spoken about their private life so the NoW could not mount a public interest defence on grounds of hypocrisy.
"It could go both ways," he tells the inquiry.
11.02am: There were no complaints made to the PCC about Wootton's stories in the final three years of his time at the News of the World, he says.
Wootton was named showbiz reporter of the year at the British Press Awards in 2010. One of the pieces that won him the prize was on the death of Boyzone member, Stephen Gately.
11.00am: Wootton says that he was once bylined on a story that he had not worked on at all.
He points out that his showbiz column, headed with his name, ran 52 weeks a year – and he did not work all year.
"There are certain accepted tabloid conventions," he says.
10.58am: Wootton says that he would sometimes inquire about the source of information from freelance contributors.
He believes he would sometimes take a more cautious approach than other journalists at the NoW.
10.56am: Wootton tells the inquiry that "there is a need to protect exclusives" and on a small number of occasions there would be a "commercial decision" not to pre-notify on a showbiz story because of a fear of leaks.
He says that right of reply would only not be given if the editor was 100% confident of the facts of the article; it was more likely to happen on positive stories.
It was Wootton's policy to give right of reply on 99% of his stories, he says.
10.52am: Wootton says there was "probably" times when his opinion was overruled as to whether the NoW would run a story.
He recalls one occasion when a senior executive at the paper had been told that a celebrity was going to take a certain job.
Wootton says his gut feeling was that the story should be checked, but the executive did not and requested that Wootton also did not check the story.
10.50am: Wootton says the job of showbiz editor is "definitely walking a tightrope" by being fair to celebrities and not becoming a stooge.
"Because the News of the World was coming from a position of weakness, it was felt that that was particularly important," he says.
10.47am: Jay asks whether Wootton felt he was "colluding" with celebrities to put stories with a certain angle out.
Wootton denies this. "I was always conscious not to become a stooge to celebrities," he says. His stories were built on trust that the celebrities would be treated fairly.
"One of my jobs was to make sure celebrities felt confident to give interviews and stories to the News of the World," he says, adding that the paper had to work on rebuilding trust in 2007, following the convictions of Goodman and Mulcaire.
10.45am: Wootton says that there was a fear that "secret squirrel" stories could be leaked. He says these were one-fact stories, such as celebrity A had split from celebrity B. They were kept within a small group of about five people.
"The News of the World was particularly conscious that stories could be leaked, because they had in the past," he says.
Wootton says that none of his stories were obtained by subterfuge and about half came from celebrities themselves.
10.45am: Wootton denies there was a bullying culture at the News of the World.
He adds that individual desks in the newsroom "very much ran as separate entities".
Wootton operated on the features desk and would have "very very minimal" contact with the news desk, he says.
Wootton spoke to the head of news about twice in his four years at the paper, he says.
10.44am: Wootton says that he joined on a day when the News of the World was holding its first regular PCC seminar. He was given a pocket-sized PCC guidebook which he carried "at all times".
He says that every story – including "the most trivial" – would be read by at least four people in the newsroom before publication.
Wootton says he felt the News of the World was in competition with its sister title, the Sun.
10.40am: Wootton says that he was assured following the conviction of News of the World royal correspondent Clive Goodman in early 2007 that that was an "individual incident".
"When I started it was made absolutely clear that that behaviour would not be tolerated in any way by [then editor] Colin Myler," he tells the inquiry.
10.37am: Wootton joined the News of the World in 2007 and was at the paper until its closure in July last year.10.37am: Wootton joined the News of the World in 2007 and was at the paper until its closure in July last year.
There is an interview with Wootton shortly after the paper's closure on the BBC website.
10.34am: Dan Wootton, the former News of the World showbiz editor, has taken the stand.10.34am: Dan Wootton, the former News of the World showbiz editor, has taken the stand.
10.33am: Akers has completed her evidence.10.33am: Akers has completed her evidence.
10.33am: Akers is asked about Operation Culmic, which is illegal accessing of computers belonging to others for financial gain. 10.33am: Akers is asked about Operation Kalmyk. It is a scoping exercise that arose from Operation Tuleta evidence of at least one person being involved in illegally accessing computers for financial gain.
This is a full investigation undertaken as part of a scoping exercise by Operation Tuleta. Operation Culmic was the subject of a recent BBC Panorama programme, Akers confirms. Operation Kalmyk was the subject of a recent BBC Panorama programme, Akers confirms.
One person has been arrested under Operation Culmic and are on bail until March. One person has been arrested under Operation Kalmyk and are on bail until March.
Leveson says "my train isn't stopping" in terms of pushing ahead with his inquiry.Leveson says "my train isn't stopping" in terms of pushing ahead with his inquiry.
10.31am: Akers says that the Met is examining 4 terabytes – a vast amount – of information under Operation Tuleta.10.31am: Akers says that the Met is examining 4 terabytes – a vast amount – of information under Operation Tuleta.
She describes it as a "huge amount, vast" when asked what it would look like if printed out.She describes it as a "huge amount, vast" when asked what it would look like if printed out.
10.29am: Jay asks about Operation Tuleta.10.29am: Jay asks about Operation Tuleta.
Akers says that about 20 police officers are looking into 57 claims of "data intrusion" on behalf of journalists.Akers says that about 20 police officers are looking into 57 claims of "data intrusion" on behalf of journalists.
Most of these claims relate to computer hacking, medical records and phone hacking.Most of these claims relate to computer hacking, medical records and phone hacking.
Some of these claims go back to as long ago as the late 1980s, Akers says. "Some of these are connected to very historic investigations that the Met has undertaken," she adds.Some of these claims go back to as long ago as the late 1980s, Akers says. "Some of these are connected to very historic investigations that the Met has undertaken," she adds.
10.27am: Akers is asked about timing of Operation Elveden.10.27am: Akers is asked about timing of Operation Elveden.
She says she is "less confident in saying we're nearer the end than the beginning" with Elveden, unlike Operation Weeting.She says she is "less confident in saying we're nearer the end than the beginning" with Elveden, unlike Operation Weeting.
Akers says because News International is giving "voluntary disclosure" to police, the Met is not obtaining evidence via a production order. Under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, the police are not entitled to seek a warrant where there is co-operation.Akers says because News International is giving "voluntary disclosure" to police, the Met is not obtaining evidence via a production order. Under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, the police are not entitled to seek a warrant where there is co-operation.
10.25am: Akers says that information from News Corp's MSC led to the arrest of a journalist at the Sun in November last year.10.25am: Akers says that information from News Corp's MSC led to the arrest of a journalist at the Sun in November last year.
The further arrests at the Sun last month came from disclosures from the MSC "as well as our own analysis" of material handed over, Akers confirms.The further arrests at the Sun last month came from disclosures from the MSC "as well as our own analysis" of material handed over, Akers confirms.
The police want to question one further journalist who is abroad, she adds.The police want to question one further journalist who is abroad, she adds.
10.23am: Akers says that the Met police has a "co-operative working relationship" with News Corp's internal investigation unit, the management and standards committee (MSC).10.23am: Akers says that the Met police has a "co-operative working relationship" with News Corp's internal investigation unit, the management and standards committee (MSC).
Akers says that "reasonably senior" News of the World journalists have been arrested under Operation Elveden between June and December.Akers says that "reasonably senior" News of the World journalists have been arrested under Operation Elveden between June and December.
No police officers have been identified as suspects in relation to the News of the World, Akers confirms. The material has come from the newspapers and so the sources are not identified.No police officers have been identified as suspects in relation to the News of the World, Akers confirms. The material has come from the newspapers and so the sources are not identified.
10.19am: Akers is asked about Operation Elveden, the investigation into payments to police officers by journalists.10.19am: Akers is asked about Operation Elveden, the investigation into payments to police officers by journalists.
Akers says there is a "very legitimate public interest" in investigating this.Akers says there is a "very legitimate public interest" in investigating this.
She adds that 40 police officers and staff are currently working on Elveden, but that team will be expanded to 61 officers in light of the investigation into the Sun.She adds that 40 police officers and staff are currently working on Elveden, but that team will be expanded to 61 officers in light of the investigation into the Sun.
Fourteen people have been arrested so far under Elveden.Fourteen people have been arrested so far under Elveden.
10.18am: Jay asks if Akers "is nearer the finishing line than the starting gun". She agrees.10.18am: Jay asks if Akers "is nearer the finishing line than the starting gun". She agrees.
Akers adds that a total of 90 police officers are working on Operation Weeting, including 35 who are "dedicated to the victims, which has been quite time consuming".Akers adds that a total of 90 police officers are working on Operation Weeting, including 35 who are "dedicated to the victims, which has been quite time consuming".
10.17am: Akers says that "a number of key witnesses" have come forward but the police want to see more. "That process is ongoing. It will take a few more months," Akers tells the inquiry.10.17am: Akers says that "a number of key witnesses" have come forward but the police want to see more. "That process is ongoing. It will take a few more months," Akers tells the inquiry.
Jay says that 300m emails have been retrieved from News International, including material that the police thought had been lost.Jay says that 300m emails have been retrieved from News International, including material that the police thought had been lost.
Akers says the search of that material is in a relatively advanced stage. The Met police has found hard archives of some material.Akers says the search of that material is in a relatively advanced stage. The Met police has found hard archives of some material.
10.15am: The police have contacted 581 of those 829 likely phone hacking victims, Akers says. A further 231 are uncontactable, but are identified in Mulcaire's notes. Seventeen people have not been contacted for "operational reasons".10.15am: The police have contacted 581 of those 829 likely phone hacking victims, Akers says. A further 231 are uncontactable, but are identified in Mulcaire's notes. Seventeen people have not been contacted for "operational reasons".
Two of the 17 people arrested under Operation Weeting have had no further action taken against them and 15 are on bail.Two of the 17 people arrested under Operation Weeting have had no further action taken against them and 15 are on bail.
10.13am: The number of people contacted by police or writing in to police asking if they were hacked is 2,900, Akers confirms. Of those, 1,578 actually appeared in Mulcaire's notes.10.13am: The number of people contacted by police or writing in to police asking if they were hacked is 2,900, Akers confirms. Of those, 1,578 actually appeared in Mulcaire's notes.
Akers says there are 829 "likely" victims – those who have detail around their names that make it likely they were hacked or had potential to be hacked.Akers says there are 829 "likely" victims – those who have detail around their names that make it likely they were hacked or had potential to be hacked.
10.08am: Jay confirms that there are 6,349 potential victims – identifiable names of people in information held under Operation Weeting – of phone hacking. There are 11,000 pages in the seized notes of private investigator Glenn Mulcaire. The number of names with phone numbers alongside is 4,375.10.08am: Jay confirms that there are 6,349 potential victims – identifiable names of people in information held under Operation Weeting – of phone hacking. There are 11,000 pages in the seized notes of private investigator Glenn Mulcaire. The number of names with phone numbers alongside is 4,375.
10.05am: Akers is the police chief in charge of the Operation Weeting investigation into phone hacking; the Operation Tuleta investigation into computer hacking to procure information on behalf of newspapers; and Operating Elveden, the police investigation into inappropriate payments to police officers by journalists.10.05am: Akers is the police chief in charge of the Operation Weeting investigation into phone hacking; the Operation Tuleta investigation into computer hacking to procure information on behalf of newspapers; and Operating Elveden, the police investigation into inappropriate payments to police officers by journalists.
10.02am: Sue Akers, the detective assistant commissioner of the Met police, has taken the stand.10.02am: Sue Akers, the detective assistant commissioner of the Met police, has taken the stand.
Robert Jay QC, counsel to the inquiry, is leading the questioning.Robert Jay QC, counsel to the inquiry, is leading the questioning.
9.59am: Our correspondent at the Royal Courts of Justice, Lisa O'Carroll, has just tweeted that Sue Akers, the deputy assistant commissioner of the Met police, will be the first witness of the day. Daily Mail editor Paul Dacre is expected to appear this afternoon.9.59am: Our correspondent at the Royal Courts of Justice, Lisa O'Carroll, has just tweeted that Sue Akers, the deputy assistant commissioner of the Met police, will be the first witness of the day. Daily Mail editor Paul Dacre is expected to appear this afternoon.
#leveson order for today Akers, Owens, wooton, then dacre in the afternoon#leveson order for today Akers, Owens, wooton, then dacre in the afternoon
— lisa o'carroll (@lisaocarroll) February 6, 2012— lisa o'carroll (@lisaocarroll) February 6, 2012
9.41am: Former News of the World showbiz correspondent Dan Wootton has revealed his pre-Leveson preparation: an uplifting dose of the Canadian singer Alanis Morissette.9.41am: Former News of the World showbiz correspondent Dan Wootton has revealed his pre-Leveson preparation: an uplifting dose of the Canadian singer Alanis Morissette.
Big morning ahead so I'm listening to Alanis. Obv.Big morning ahead so I'm listening to Alanis. Obv.
— Dan Wootton (@danwootton) February 6, 2012— Dan Wootton (@danwootton) February 6, 2012
9.40am: Good morning and welcome to the Leveson inquiry live blog.9.40am: Good morning and welcome to the Leveson inquiry live blog.
Paul Dacre, editor-in-chief of the Daily Mail, and Sue Akers, the Metropolitan police deputy assistant commissioner in charge of three major investigations into alleged press illegality, will give evidence to the inquiry today.Paul Dacre, editor-in-chief of the Daily Mail, and Sue Akers, the Metropolitan police deputy assistant commissioner in charge of three major investigations into alleged press illegality, will give evidence to the inquiry today.
Fleet Street's longest-serving newspaper editor is likely to be asked about the Daily Mail's use of the private investigator Steve Whittamore, as uncovered in the information commissioner's report What Price Privacy Now? in 2006. Dacre is also expected to be asked about Associated Newspapers' accusation of "mendacious smears" against Hugh Grant after the actor gave evidence to the inquiry last year.Fleet Street's longest-serving newspaper editor is likely to be asked about the Daily Mail's use of the private investigator Steve Whittamore, as uncovered in the information commissioner's report What Price Privacy Now? in 2006. Dacre is also expected to be asked about Associated Newspapers' accusation of "mendacious smears" against Hugh Grant after the actor gave evidence to the inquiry last year.
Akers will become the first serving police officer to be quizzed by the Leveson inquiry.Akers will become the first serving police officer to be quizzed by the Leveson inquiry.
Two journalists, the Sunday Mirror reporter Nick Owens and the former News of the World showbiz correspondent Dan Wootton, will also appear.Two journalists, the Sunday Mirror reporter Nick Owens and the former News of the World showbiz correspondent Dan Wootton, will also appear.
Follow the inquiry live from 10am.Follow the inquiry live from 10am.