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Version 2 Version 3
Leveson inquiry: John Yates, Andy Hayman, Peter Clarke - live Leveson inquiry: John Yates, Andy Hayman, Peter Clarke - live
(40 minutes later)
12.15pm: Yates says in his written statement that he was the "public face for policing an policy matters" .
He says he would have had a very "broad spectrum of coverage of the media", adding that he would deliberately seek out some of the more obscure sections in terms of the views they hold.
12.11pm: Yates says he had a "healthy and transparent" relationship with the media that may have included informal lunches.
The vast majority of his dealings wth the media would have been to do with the strategic policies he was exposed to, whether it be data retention, rape policy and so on.
I think there's great value in that, in testing policy, testing views and getting views back. The last thing we would want is policy in a bubble or in a vacuum where policing isn't connected to other thinking.
12.05pm: Former assistant commissioner John Yates is now giving evidence by satellite link.
Yates retired as assistant commissioner in November 2011.
In April 2009 he was the national lead for counter-terrorism in assistant commissioner rank.
11.37am: The inquiry is now taking a break until 12pm for "brunch".11.37am: The inquiry is now taking a break until 12pm for "brunch".
This is because John Yates, the former assistant commissioner of the Met Police, is giving evidence by satellite at midday.This is because John Yates, the former assistant commissioner of the Met Police, is giving evidence by satellite at midday.
Following his resignation from the Met last summer, Yates took up a new post in Bahrain advising the police force.Following his resignation from the Met last summer, Yates took up a new post in Bahrain advising the police force.
11.35am: Jay asks Clarke if he had any contact with Yates in 2009 in relation to phone hacking. No, says Clarke, but he did have discussions with him in July 2011 before their select committe appearances.11.35am: Jay asks Clarke if he had any contact with Yates in 2009 in relation to phone hacking. No, says Clarke, but he did have discussions with him in July 2011 before their select committe appearances.
11.34am: Clarke says if the police make a decision that arrest and prosecution is not the best way to deal with criminality, perhaps that needs to be shared so there is a better understanding, so that accusations [of a cover-up] can be proved to be "baseless".11.34am: Clarke says if the police make a decision that arrest and prosecution is not the best way to deal with criminality, perhaps that needs to be shared so there is a better understanding, so that accusations [of a cover-up] can be proved to be "baseless".
11.32am: Jay has now finished questioning Clarke.11.32am: Jay has now finished questioning Clarke.
Leveson says there is no doubt that "there is rather an unfortunate catalogue of events" in relation to the phone-hacking inquiry in 2006, the result of which is now "potentially extremely damaging" and therefore needs to be explained.Leveson says there is no doubt that "there is rather an unfortunate catalogue of events" in relation to the phone-hacking inquiry in 2006, the result of which is now "potentially extremely damaging" and therefore needs to be explained.
He says he recognises that he views material from a policeman's eyes, but he would like to know if there is anything Clarke would like to add by way of comment on his role in this operation, or in relation to what he knows what happened subsequently.He says he recognises that he views material from a policeman's eyes, but he would like to know if there is anything Clarke would like to add by way of comment on his role in this operation, or in relation to what he knows what happened subsequently.
11.32am: The BBC's Ross HAwkins has just tweeted: 11.32am: The BBC's Ross Hawkins has just tweeted:
Important suggestion that then home sec John Reid received briefing on phone hacking #levesonImportant suggestion that then home sec John Reid received briefing on phone hacking #leveson
— Ross Hawkins (@rosschawkins) March 1, 2012— Ross Hawkins (@rosschawkins) March 1, 2012
11.29am: Clarke reveals that David Blunkett, the then home secretary, was personally informed by the then commissioner.11.29am: Clarke reveals that David Blunkett, the then home secretary, was personally informed by the then commissioner.
To this day, he does not know why Prescott wasn't informed.To this day, he does not know why Prescott wasn't informed.
11.28am: Calarke says he doesn't think the police made a mistake on extending the phone hacking inquiry, but admits its strategy for informing victims was not so successful.11.28am: Calarke says he doesn't think the police made a mistake on extending the phone hacking inquiry, but admits its strategy for informing victims was not so successful.
"To this day I don't reallly understand why it [the strategy] didn't work," he says."To this day I don't reallly understand why it [the strategy] didn't work," he says.
11.26am: Clarke says it "wouldn't [have been] for me to to go to Lord Prescott" whose phone was hacked when he was then deputy prime minister.11.26am: Clarke says it "wouldn't [have been] for me to to go to Lord Prescott" whose phone was hacked when he was then deputy prime minister.
He says it was "absolutely" his understanding that Prescott ought to have been notified by the police.He says it was "absolutely" his understanding that Prescott ought to have been notified by the police.
Prescott was not, however, informed.Prescott was not, however, informed.
Clarke says he didn't that Mulcaire allegedly had the names of people under the witness protection scheme but it would not have changed the decision to widen the inquiry.
11.25am: Clarke says he briefed Hayman in the runup the arrest of Goodman and Mulcaire, but he doesn't remember specifics.11.25am: Clarke says he briefed Hayman in the runup the arrest of Goodman and Mulcaire, but he doesn't remember specifics.
He does not remember briefing Hayman on the decision not to broaden the investigation into phone hacking. He does not remember anything Hayman might or might not have said about this decision.He does not remember briefing Hayman on the decision not to broaden the investigation into phone hacking. He does not remember anything Hayman might or might not have said about this decision.
11.21am: Leveson puts it to Clarke that he could say the force just didn't consider it important enough to investigate phone hacking.11.21am: Leveson puts it to Clarke that he could say the force just didn't consider it important enough to investigate phone hacking.
Clarke says Leveson has got it nearly "spot on".Clarke says Leveson has got it nearly "spot on".
The minutiae of whether there was circumstantial evidence against journalist A, B, C, is a minor consideration in comparison to … a threat to the life a member of the British public.The minutiae of whether there was circumstantial evidence against journalist A, B, C, is a minor consideration in comparison to … a threat to the life a member of the British public.
Invasions of privacy are odious …. but to put to bluntly they don't kill you, terrorists do. Invasions of privacy are odious, distressing and illegal …. but to put to bluntly they don't kill you, terrorists do.
11.18am: Clarke repeats his earlier assertions that it was difficult to turn information into evidence that could lead to further arrests.11.18am: Clarke repeats his earlier assertions that it was difficult to turn information into evidence that could lead to further arrests.
"Trying to prove a conspiracy within a major newspaper, it wouldn't get you to the position, or was unlikely to get you to the position, of a successful prosecution," he adds."Trying to prove a conspiracy within a major newspaper, it wouldn't get you to the position, or was unlikely to get you to the position, of a successful prosecution," he adds.
11.12am: Lord Justice Leveson says his first area of interest is "the systemic issue": whether Clarke was told that there was enough evidence to take wider action. Leveson says that is "What the police are facing as you well know, is that this was a decision to cover it all up."11.12am: Lord Justice Leveson says his first area of interest is "the systemic issue": whether Clarke was told that there was enough evidence to take wider action. Leveson says that is "What the police are facing as you well know, is that this was a decision to cover it all up."
His second concern is what was done with the victims of phone hacking and informing them.His second concern is what was done with the victims of phone hacking and informing them.
Leveson stresses that there were several references to the then deputy prime minister, John Prescott, and his assistant in Mulcaire's notes.Leveson stresses that there were several references to the then deputy prime minister, John Prescott, and his assistant in Mulcaire's notes.
However, Clarke says this is not something the police were aware of at the time.However, Clarke says this is not something the police were aware of at the time.
11.07am: Leveson says the "granularity" was missing from the "Olympian" picture that Clarke had of the investigation.11.07am: Leveson says the "granularity" was missing from the "Olympian" picture that Clarke had of the investigation.
Clarke says he sees Leveson's point, but is confident that the briefings he received gave him enough information to make the decision he did.Clarke says he sees Leveson's point, but is confident that the briefings he received gave him enough information to make the decision he did.
The fundamental question was whether they could take the investigation forward in any meaningful way without embarking on a major painstaking analysis of 11,000 pages of Mulcaire's notes at a time when his unit was preoccupied with terrorism, says Clarke.The fundamental question was whether they could take the investigation forward in any meaningful way without embarking on a major painstaking analysis of 11,000 pages of Mulcaire's notes at a time when his unit was preoccupied with terrorism, says Clarke.
11.05am: Clarke tells Jay he was not aware of the "quality of the circumstantial evidence" that might have led to other journalists that may have ordered hacking at the News of the World.11.05am: Clarke tells Jay he was not aware of the "quality of the circumstantial evidence" that might have led to other journalists that may have ordered hacking at the News of the World.
It had taken six or seven months of work to get to the arrest of Goodman and Mulcaire and there was no point in making "speculative arrests" of other journalists on the paper without having evidence to put to them.It had taken six or seven months of work to get to the arrest of Goodman and Mulcaire and there was no point in making "speculative arrests" of other journalists on the paper without having evidence to put to them.
Would it have been reasonable, bearing in mind we were being completely thwarted by News International, to arrest two or three journalists and invite them to make a full and frank confession? … We wouldn't have the substantial issues to put to them.Would it have been reasonable, bearing in mind we were being completely thwarted by News International, to arrest two or three journalists and invite them to make a full and frank confession? … We wouldn't have the substantial issues to put to them.
11.03am: Clarke says he could not have justified releasing officers to work on the phone-hacking investigation because of the terrorist threat.11.03am: Clarke says he could not have justified releasing officers to work on the phone-hacking investigation because of the terrorist threat.
He says the 11,000 pages of Mulcaire's notes had not been analysed at the time; that the investigation would have been an "enormous undertaking" and involved "dozens of officers over weeks if not years".He says the 11,000 pages of Mulcaire's notes had not been analysed at the time; that the investigation would have been an "enormous undertaking" and involved "dozens of officers over weeks if not years".
The fear was what that resource commitment would lead us … it was disproportionate to other competing demands at the time.The fear was what that resource commitment would lead us … it was disproportionate to other competing demands at the time.
He points to the scale of the Met's current phone-hacking investigation, Operation Weeting.He points to the scale of the Met's current phone-hacking investigation, Operation Weeting.
11.00am: Clarke says the decision not to widen the phone-hacking investigation was taken "by the end of September".11.00am: Clarke says the decision not to widen the phone-hacking investigation was taken "by the end of September".
He recalls he had been to Australia and on his return would have been briefed by his most senior team about all aspects of investigation.He recalls he had been to Australia and on his return would have been briefed by his most senior team about all aspects of investigation.
To be honest it [the phone-hacking investigation] was not anywhere near the top of our concerns, because remember we were dealing with the airline plot ... haveing received that briefing, I would have said 'go and see the SIOs, we are not going to go through the enormous exercise of going through that material.'"To be honest it [the phone-hacking investigation] was not anywhere near the top of our concerns, because remember we were dealing with the airline plot ... haveing received that briefing, I would have said 'go and see the SIOs, we are not going to go through the enormous exercise of going through that material.'"
10.59am: Clarke admits that he didn't personally consider going to a magistrate to seek a production order to force News International to hand over documents it had sought, including information on Mulcaire's contracts, floor plans of the News of the World and staff lists.10.59am: Clarke admits that he didn't personally consider going to a magistrate to seek a production order to force News International to hand over documents it had sought, including information on Mulcaire's contracts, floor plans of the News of the World and staff lists.
Leveson asks him to explain why the Met didn't go to court to seek a production order.Leveson asks him to explain why the Met didn't go to court to seek a production order.

Clearly it was just lip service being paid in the responses to the letters from us asking who else was involved … even if a production order had been granted, would that have altered whether it was appropriate to continue with a much broader investigation?
Clearly it was just lip service being paid in the responses to the letters from us asking who else was involved … even if a production order had been granted, would that have altered whether it was appropriate to continue with a much broader investigation?
My thinking was it wouldn't actually make a difference if a production order was in place or not.My thinking was it wouldn't actually make a difference if a production order was in place or not.
10.56am: Calrke says that after the arrest of News of the World royal reporter Clive Goodman on 8 August 2006, it became immediately apparent that the police weren't going to get any co-operation from News International.10.56am: Calrke says that after the arrest of News of the World royal reporter Clive Goodman on 8 August 2006, it became immediately apparent that the police weren't going to get any co-operation from News International.
He was briefed that News International had obstructed a raid in Wapping and its solicitors Burton Copeland had not been co-operative. "This was a closing of the ranks from very early on," he says.He was briefed that News International had obstructed a raid in Wapping and its solicitors Burton Copeland had not been co-operative. "This was a closing of the ranks from very early on," he says.
That sort of attitude would usually have made him more determined to pursue the matter, but he had to take into context the realities at the time.That sort of attitude would usually have made him more determined to pursue the matter, but he had to take into context the realities at the time.
10.55am: Clarke says the parameters were set at the beginning of the phone–hacking investigation - which involved the expectation of arrests, but also deterrents to prevent it happening in the future. This involved working with the mobile phone companies.10.55am: Clarke says the parameters were set at the beginning of the phone–hacking investigation - which involved the expectation of arrests, but also deterrents to prevent it happening in the future. This involved working with the mobile phone companies.
10.53am: Clarke says it is highly likely that others were involved in phone hacking:10.53am: Clarke says it is highly likely that others were involved in phone hacking:
It's the cynical view of an old police officer that if someone is arrested for burglary it's only a slim chance it's their first time as a burglar.It's the cynical view of an old police officer that if someone is arrested for burglary it's only a slim chance it's their first time as a burglar.
10.52am: Clarke is asked about the phone-hacking inquiry and the issues of protecting the royal family.10.52am: Clarke is asked about the phone-hacking inquiry and the issues of protecting the royal family.
He decided the investigation should stay within his anti-terrorist unit for operational reasons – it wouldn't have made sense to move the investigation into a royal threat out of the unit.He decided the investigation should stay within his anti-terrorist unit for operational reasons – it wouldn't have made sense to move the investigation into a royal threat out of the unit.
10.47am: Clarke says the team investigating phone hacking was extremely stretched because of the terrorist threat. He himself didn't have enough resources at the time for anti-terrorism.10.47am: Clarke says the team investigating phone hacking was extremely stretched because of the terrorist threat. He himself didn't have enough resources at the time for anti-terrorism.
Clarke explains he had to borrow officers from all over the country at the time to assist in anti-terrorism – 1,000 extra were drafted in in 2006.Clarke explains he had to borrow officers from all over the country at the time to assist in anti-terrorism – 1,000 extra were drafted in in 2006.
By January 2007, he still had about 200 officers on loan from elsewhere. These were highly specialist oficers, says Clarke.By January 2007, he still had about 200 officers on loan from elsewhere. These were highly specialist oficers, says Clarke.
"These were precious resources which I had been dragging from across the British police for a number of years. I hope that gives some context to the scale of the threat," he says."These were precious resources which I had been dragging from across the British police for a number of years. I hope that gives some context to the scale of the threat," he says.
"Allied to which in 2005 we had 52 people murdered and some 800 people injured in the attacks in London. The subequent airline plot was designed to kill thousands of people. That was the context in which I had to prioritise … the resource available in the anti-terrorist branch.""Allied to which in 2005 we had 52 people murdered and some 800 people injured in the attacks in London. The subequent airline plot was designed to kill thousands of people. That was the context in which I had to prioritise … the resource available in the anti-terrorist branch."
10.45am: Clarke says around this time there were 70 anti-terrorist operations under way in the UK.10.45am: Clarke says around this time there were 70 anti-terrorist operations under way in the UK.
The first two of these very large operations – the fertilister bomb plot and the dirty bomb plot – in 2004. Then in July 2005 there was 7/7 London bombings.The first two of these very large operations – the fertilister bomb plot and the dirty bomb plot – in 2004. Then in July 2005 there was 7/7 London bombings.
"In between these there was a plethora of cases that were a threat to the public.""In between these there was a plethora of cases that were a threat to the public."
He says the resources required to control the threat of suicide bombers are often underestimated. He says the number of staff required was "far in excess" of those required to contain threats such as Irish terrorism.He says the resources required to control the threat of suicide bombers are often underestimated. He says the number of staff required was "far in excess" of those required to contain threats such as Irish terrorism.
They had an "unprecedented number of surveillance teams" involved in the fertiliser bomb threat which may have been used to blow up a nightclub or a shopping centre. All of the surveillance teams in London were used on this.They had an "unprecedented number of surveillance teams" involved in the fertiliser bomb threat which may have been used to blow up a nightclub or a shopping centre. All of the surveillance teams in London were used on this.
This went on for two or three years and culminated with arrests in August 2006 that coincided with the phone-hacking investigation.This went on for two or three years and culminated with arrests in August 2006 that coincided with the phone-hacking investigation.
10.44am: Jay asks if it is standard practice that decision logs are not shown to the deputy assistant commissioner. Yes, says Clarke.10.44am: Jay asks if it is standard practice that decision logs are not shown to the deputy assistant commissioner. Yes, says Clarke.
Jay asks why. Clarke says his role is to be aware of the overall strategy and how an investigation fits into the overall objectives that a branch of the Met is trying to achieve.Jay asks why. Clarke says his role is to be aware of the overall strategy and how an investigation fits into the overall objectives that a branch of the Met is trying to achieve.
10.40am: Jay asks how often Andy Hayman, who was immediately senior to Clarke, was briefed.10.40am: Jay asks how often Andy Hayman, who was immediately senior to Clarke, was briefed.
"Probably not very often," says Clarke."Probably not very often," says Clarke.
He say she remembers when Goodman and Mulcaire came into the picture Clarke gave him his first briefing, because this was the first time that it was suspected that it was the media who were hacking the phones of the royal household. This was around May 2006 – months before the pair were arrested.He say she remembers when Goodman and Mulcaire came into the picture Clarke gave him his first briefing, because this was the first time that it was suspected that it was the media who were hacking the phones of the royal household. This was around May 2006 – months before the pair were arrested.
There were informal briefings subsequently and other briefings that Philip Williams, the senior investigating officer, gave to Hayman at the time.There were informal briefings subsequently and other briefings that Philip Williams, the senior investigating officer, gave to Hayman at the time.
10.37am: Jay moves on to Operation Caryatid, the Met's 2006 phone-hacking inquiry. Clarke says there were regular briefings between him and the investigating officers.10.37am: Jay moves on to Operation Caryatid, the Met's 2006 phone-hacking inquiry. Clarke says there were regular briefings between him and the investigating officers.
Jay says these briefing meetings do not seem to be minuted or documented, and asks if this is standard practice.Jay says these briefing meetings do not seem to be minuted or documented, and asks if this is standard practice.
Clarke says it is, but "the product of the meetings" would be expected to go into the senior investigating officer's decision log.Clarke says it is, but "the product of the meetings" would be expected to go into the senior investigating officer's decision log.
10.35am: Clarke says there is a need for guidelines for contact with the press but stresses they "do need to be flexible and do need to take account of the particular circumstances".10.35am: Clarke says there is a need for guidelines for contact with the press but stresses they "do need to be flexible and do need to take account of the particular circumstances".
He says it would be unhelpful to have rigid guidelines that would force the higher ranks of the force to comply with the same rules as junior officers.He says it would be unhelpful to have rigid guidelines that would force the higher ranks of the force to comply with the same rules as junior officers.
10.34am: Jay cites the example in Clarke's written evidence of a 2007 Met leak inquiry in which the "culprit" was caught.10.34am: Jay cites the example in Clarke's written evidence of a 2007 Met leak inquiry in which the "culprit" was caught.
10.32am: Over his experience over 30 years, the extent of leaks from the MPS has been "greatly exaggerated," says Clarke in his statement.10.32am: Over his experience over 30 years, the extent of leaks from the MPS has been "greatly exaggerated," says Clarke in his statement.
He cites an example of an anti-terrorist operation on 29 July 2005 that was discussed in evidence from Brian Paddick to the Leveson inquiry on Monday.He cites an example of an anti-terrorist operation on 29 July 2005 that was discussed in evidence from Brian Paddick to the Leveson inquiry on Monday.
The intelligence was developed overnight and ended with a stand-off with alleged terrorists and armed officers in a building in London. There was a huge interest in the media and there was a suggestion at the Leveson inquiry that this was because of a leak.The intelligence was developed overnight and ended with a stand-off with alleged terrorists and armed officers in a building in London. There was a huge interest in the media and there was a suggestion at the Leveson inquiry that this was because of a leak.
Clarke says the truth of the matter is that locals tipped of the media.Clarke says the truth of the matter is that locals tipped of the media.
"Over the hours, the amount of local disruptions ... clearly the media heard about it and they turned up," he adds."Over the hours, the amount of local disruptions ... clearly the media heard about it and they turned up," he adds.
10.28am: The inquiry hears that Clarke has only two items in the Gibson Hospitality Register. These were a 2005 rugby game against Australia and a 2006 football game at the Millennium stadium in Cardiff.10.28am: The inquiry hears that Clarke has only two items in the Gibson Hospitality Register. These were a 2005 rugby game against Australia and a 2006 football game at the Millennium stadium in Cardiff.
Meetings with the Crime Reporters' Association did not feature on the register. This is an unofficial grouping of crime reporters and correspondents in British media. It did not include international media, unfortunately, says Clarke.Meetings with the Crime Reporters' Association did not feature on the register. This is an unofficial grouping of crime reporters and correspondents in British media. It did not include international media, unfortunately, says Clarke.
10.25am: Clarke says he could give off-the-record briefings to "responsible journalists" about alleged terrorists who were facing legal action.10.25am: Clarke says he could give off-the-record briefings to "responsible journalists" about alleged terrorists who were facing legal action.
He was "safe in the knowledge" that the journalists would not report what he was telling them because it was part of the case that was coming to court and would have been sub judice.He was "safe in the knowledge" that the journalists would not report what he was telling them because it was part of the case that was coming to court and would have been sub judice.
10.23am: Clarke is asked about the difference between the public interest and the police interest.10.23am: Clarke is asked about the difference between the public interest and the police interest.
He says the reason why he had engagement with the media "in any shape or form" was to "help the public, keep the public safe" in order to give the public confidence so they could bring forward information that would diminish the anti-terrorist threat.He says the reason why he had engagement with the media "in any shape or form" was to "help the public, keep the public safe" in order to give the public confidence so they could bring forward information that would diminish the anti-terrorist threat.
"I was not interested in making the police look good, that was not my agenda," he says."I was not interested in making the police look good, that was not my agenda," he says.
10.19am: Clarke is talking about a meeting with editors at which Rupert Murdoch unexpectedly appeared.10.19am: Clarke is talking about a meeting with editors at which Rupert Murdoch unexpectedly appeared.
Clarke explains the briefing happened after August 2004, when a terrorist had been arrested and there had been clear evidence he had tried to construct a dirty bomb in the UK.Clarke explains the briefing happened after August 2004, when a terrorist had been arrested and there had been clear evidence he had tried to construct a dirty bomb in the UK.
[Met commissioner Sir] John Stevens saw some of this evidence and he was appalled by it, and he directed that he and I should visit a whole range of media outlets … we saw the editors of all the national newspapers.[Met commissioner Sir] John Stevens saw some of this evidence and he was appalled by it, and he directed that he and I should visit a whole range of media outlets … we saw the editors of all the national newspapers.
10.16am: Clarke says he had off-the-record briefings and lunches with the Crime Reporters' Association when he was head of the anti-terrorism unit. He says there was clear scepticism about terrorism in the late 1990s and it was felt it was important to have more informal contact with the media.10.16am: Clarke says he had off-the-record briefings and lunches with the Crime Reporters' Association when he was head of the anti-terrorism unit. He says there was clear scepticism about terrorism in the late 1990s and it was felt it was important to have more informal contact with the media.
He said over the period he was in charge he probably had six lunches with the CRA. They discussed broad issues of strategy and tried to address scepticism and instil a sense of confidence in the force among the Muslim community.He said over the period he was in charge he probably had six lunches with the CRA. They discussed broad issues of strategy and tried to address scepticism and instil a sense of confidence in the force among the Muslim community.
"The purpose was not to make the police look good, but to try to balance the discussion, so the community could have confidence," says Clarke."The purpose was not to make the police look good, but to try to balance the discussion, so the community could have confidence," says Clarke.
10.12am: Clarke is being asked to characterise the relationship between the media and the police, when he was assistant commissioner level in 1999, when he was head of royal protection.10.12am: Clarke is being asked to characterise the relationship between the media and the police, when he was assistant commissioner level in 1999, when he was head of royal protection.
He says it is impossible to describe an overall culture across the Met, as it varies between different departments.He says it is impossible to describe an overall culture across the Met, as it varies between different departments.
When he was commander of royalty and diplomatic protection he had very little contact with the press, he explains. When he went to the anti-terrorist branch, there was a very clear operational requirement to have more contact with the media.When he was commander of royalty and diplomatic protection he had very little contact with the press, he explains. When he went to the anti-terrorist branch, there was a very clear operational requirement to have more contact with the media.
10.09am: Clarke joined the police in 1977 and retired in 2008 when he was assistant commissioner, specialist operations.10.09am: Clarke joined the police in 1977 and retired in 2008 when he was assistant commissioner, specialist operations.
He was in charge of S013, the anti-terrorist unit which also handled royal protection, from 2002 to 2008. SO13 was was tasked with investigating phone hacking in 2006.He was in charge of S013, the anti-terrorist unit which also handled royal protection, from 2002 to 2008. SO13 was was tasked with investigating phone hacking in 2006.
10.08am: Peter Clarke is the first witness to give evidence.10.08am: Peter Clarke is the first witness to give evidence.
Robert Jay QC, counsel to the inqquiry, is doing the questioning.Robert Jay QC, counsel to the inqquiry, is doing the questioning.
10.07am: The inquiry has started with a rebuke by Lord Justice Leveson for core participants who allegedly have leaked witness statements before they are formally read into the inquiry.10.07am: The inquiry has started with a rebuke by Lord Justice Leveson for core participants who allegedly have leaked witness statements before they are formally read into the inquiry.
9.52am: Hayman was given grilling by the home affairs select committee last year.9.52am: Hayman was given grilling by the home affairs select committee last year.
Tory MP Lorraine Fullbrook said the public would see him as a "dodgy geezer" and accused of "cosying up to News International".Tory MP Lorraine Fullbrook said the public would see him as a "dodgy geezer" and accused of "cosying up to News International".
"More like Clouseau than Columbo," said the committee chairman Keith Vaz."More like Clouseau than Columbo," said the committee chairman Keith Vaz.
When he joined the Metropolitan police he was dogged by allegations about his private life, his expense claims and allegedly botched anti-terrorist operations.When he joined the Metropolitan police he was dogged by allegations about his private life, his expense claims and allegedly botched anti-terrorist operations.
9.51am: Welcome to the Leveson inquiry live blog.9.51am: Welcome to the Leveson inquiry live blog.
Three heavy hitters will give evidence today – all former senior Scotland Yard staff who, in one way or another, got embroiled in the phone hacking scandal.Three heavy hitters will give evidence today – all former senior Scotland Yard staff who, in one way or another, got embroiled in the phone hacking scandal.
Ex-assistant commissioner John Yates, who was forced to resign over the scandal last summer, will give evidence by satellite at noon. He is now working for the Bahraini police force,Ex-assistant commissioner John Yates, who was forced to resign over the scandal last summer, will give evidence by satellite at noon. He is now working for the Bahraini police force,
Yates resigned last July amid criticism of his decision in 2009 not to reopen the phone-hacking investigation after the Guardian published a story revealing that the illegal practice was more widespread than previously believed.Yates resigned last July amid criticism of his decision in 2009 not to reopen the phone-hacking investigation after the Guardian published a story revealing that the illegal practice was more widespread than previously believed.
Also up is the Met's former deputy assistant commissioner Peter Clarke, who told MPs last year there was "prevarication and what we now know to be lies" told by News International, which he claimed deliberately tried to thwart a police investigation.Also up is the Met's former deputy assistant commissioner Peter Clarke, who told MPs last year there was "prevarication and what we now know to be lies" told by News International, which he claimed deliberately tried to thwart a police investigation.
Clarke was head of the Met's anti-terrorism unit SO13 in 2006 during the first phone-hacking investigation, Operation Caryatid, and reported to assistant commissioner Andy Hayman.Clarke was head of the Met's anti-terrorism unit SO13 in 2006 during the first phone-hacking investigation, Operation Caryatid, and reported to assistant commissioner Andy Hayman.
Deputy assistant commissioner John Yates was responsible for the specialist crime unit at the time and had no involvement in specialist operations, including SO13.Deputy assistant commissioner John Yates was responsible for the specialist crime unit at the time and had no involvement in specialist operations, including SO13.
He was named yesterday at the inquiry as the man who decided not to widen the original phone hacking inquiry in 2006, despite seizing evidence from Glenn Mulcaire's home that suggested as many as "418 or 419" phone hacking victims and evidence which suggested it wasn't just the royal editor who was hacking phones.He was named yesterday at the inquiry as the man who decided not to widen the original phone hacking inquiry in 2006, despite seizing evidence from Glenn Mulcaire's home that suggested as many as "418 or 419" phone hacking victims and evidence which suggested it wasn't just the royal editor who was hacking phones.
Clarke may also face questions after reports he gave Rupert Murdoch a face-to-face briefing over an ongoing anti-terror operation.Clarke may also face questions after reports he gave Rupert Murdoch a face-to-face briefing over an ongoing anti-terror operation.
The third witness is former Met assistant commissioner Andy Hayman.The third witness is former Met assistant commissioner Andy Hayman.
Hayman, who became a columnist for the Times after retiring from Scotland Yard, was described as "a dodgy geezer" and "more Clouseau than Columbo" by an MP on the Commons home affairs select committee.Hayman, who became a columnist for the Times after retiring from Scotland Yard, was described as "a dodgy geezer" and "more Clouseau than Columbo" by an MP on the Commons home affairs select committee.
Former Met commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson was due to give evidence today but has been rescheduled for Monday.Former Met commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson was due to give evidence today but has been rescheduled for Monday.
Please note that comments have been switched off for legal reasons. Please note that comments have been switched off for legal reasons.