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Leveson inquiry: Sue Akers - live Leveson inquiry: Sue Akers - live
(40 minutes later)
11.57am: Here's an extract from an interview with Richard Desmond, the owner of Daily Star publisher Express Newspapers, published in the Guardian on 30 October 2010:
Desmond is eager to give evidence to the Leveson inquiry if asked. He says he is "as sure as I can be of my audited accounts" that reporters on his newspapers didn't engage in phone hacking. "We would have seen large payments go out," points out a man whose financial discipline is legendary.
11.48am: Here is a lunchtime summary of this morning's evidence:
• The Scotland Yard investigation into payments from journalists to police and public officials has widened to include Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror, Daily Star and Star on Sunday titles.
• DAC Sue Akers, head of the investigations, told the inquiry that one prison officer received £35,000 in payments from News International, Trinity Mirror and Express Newspapers between April 2010 and June 2011.
• Another prison officer received £14,000 in payments from Trinity Mirror from February 2006 to January 2012, Akers alleged.
• Eleven journalists arrested on suspicion of phone hacking due to answer police bail on Tuesday.
• Met police believes there are more than 702 identifiable victims of phone hacking. It has notified 2,615 alleged targets to date.
• Akers said some News International material appears to have come from stolen mobile phones.
11.38am: Here's what Richard Desmond, owner of the Daily Star publisher Express Newspapers, told the inquiry in his written witness statement about payments to police and public officials:11.38am: Here's what Richard Desmond, owner of the Daily Star publisher Express Newspapers, told the inquiry in his written witness statement about payments to police and public officials:
Whether, to the best of your knowledge, your newspapers used, paid or had any connection with private investigators in order to source stories or information and/or paid or received payments in kind for such information from the police, public officials, mobile phone companies or others with access to the same: if so, please provide details of the numbers of occasions on which such investigators or other external providers of information were used and of the amounts paid to them (NB. You are not required to identify individuals, either within your newspapers or otherwise).Whether, to the best of your knowledge, your newspapers used, paid or had any connection with private investigators in order to source stories or information and/or paid or received payments in kind for such information from the police, public officials, mobile phone companies or others with access to the same: if so, please provide details of the numbers of occasions on which such investigators or other external providers of information were used and of the amounts paid to them (NB. You are not required to identify individuals, either within your newspapers or otherwise).
To the best of my knowledge, the newspapers have not used, paid or had any connection with private investigators in order to source stories or information and/or paid or received payments in kind for such information from the police, public officials, mobile phone companies or others with access to the same.To the best of my knowledge, the newspapers have not used, paid or had any connection with private investigators in order to source stories or information and/or paid or received payments in kind for such information from the police, public officials, mobile phone companies or others with access to the same.
11.33am: The inquiry has adjourned until 2pm.11.33am: The inquiry has adjourned until 2pm.
11.33am: The Met says there has been legitimate grounds for criticism of the force, specifically on the perception of the conduct of some senior officers. Garnham adds that the relationship between the Met and press has been essentially sound11.33am: The Met says there has been legitimate grounds for criticism of the force, specifically on the perception of the conduct of some senior officers. Garnham adds that the relationship between the Met and press has been essentially sound
11.29am: Here's what then Daily Mirror editor Richard Wallace told the inquiry about payments to public officials in January:11.29am: Here's what then Daily Mirror editor Richard Wallace told the inquiry about payments to public officials in January:
Q. You move then in your witness statement to deal with the payment of external sources and you say that you're not aware of any payments to the police, but on occasion you have paid public sector employees connected with the health and prison services for information about prisoners or prison conditions. There is, in the bundle, an article about the crossbow cannibal as your newspaper styled him, Stephen Griffiths, being urged to make a death bed confession. There is a lot of detail in that story which appears to have come from within the prison hospital unit.Q. You move then in your witness statement to deal with the payment of external sources and you say that you're not aware of any payments to the police, but on occasion you have paid public sector employees connected with the health and prison services for information about prisoners or prison conditions. There is, in the bundle, an article about the crossbow cannibal as your newspaper styled him, Stephen Griffiths, being urged to make a death bed confession. There is a lot of detail in that story which appears to have come from within the prison hospital unit.
Is that an example in which you paid to obtain information from the prison service or from prison service health workers?Is that an example in which you paid to obtain information from the prison service or from prison service health workers?
A. I don't recall if we paid for any information that contributed to that story.A. I don't recall if we paid for any information that contributed to that story.
Q. If that's not a particular example, can we take it from your witness statement that on occasions people working for the prison service have been paid for information?Q. If that's not a particular example, can we take it from your witness statement that on occasions people working for the prison service have been paid for information?
A. Yes.A. Yes.
Q. Is this confidential information?Q. Is this confidential information?
A. Yes, probably.A. Yes, probably.
Q. Do you think that that raises the same ethical issues as paying police officers for information or not?Q. Do you think that that raises the same ethical issues as paying police officers for information or not?
A. No, because by and large I believe there is a public interest in – if somebody is – from the hospital is saying, "We have patients lying in the corridor, there's general chaos and here's some pictures, but I'd like some money for that", then you know, I'm quite happy with that because I think there's a strong public interest.A. No, because by and large I believe there is a public interest in – if somebody is – from the hospital is saying, "We have patients lying in the corridor, there's general chaos and here's some pictures, but I'd like some money for that", then you know, I'm quite happy with that because I think there's a strong public interest.
Q. So from a Data Protection Act point of view, you think the answer is that it's in the public interest?Q. So from a Data Protection Act point of view, you think the answer is that it's in the public interest?
A. Yes.A. Yes.
Q. Expenses and remuneration, just very quickly. Do you still make cash payments to sources?Q. Expenses and remuneration, just very quickly. Do you still make cash payments to sources?
A. We do on occasion, but quite rarely now.A. We do on occasion, but quite rarely now.
11.26am: Accusations that the police dropped the phone-hacking investigation due to fear of News International fail to take into account the time-consuming and resource-intensive nature of the probe, Garnham says.11.26am: Accusations that the police dropped the phone-hacking investigation due to fear of News International fail to take into account the time-consuming and resource-intensive nature of the probe, Garnham says.
11.11am: The Guardian's editor-in-chief, Alan Rusbridger, has just tweeted:11.11am: The Guardian's editor-in-chief, Alan Rusbridger, has just tweeted:
Met QC claims cosy relationships between NI and cops just perception - not reality. So, no change there#LevesonMet QC claims cosy relationships between NI and cops just perception - not reality. So, no change there#Leveson
— alan rusbridger (@arusbridger) July 23, 2012— alan rusbridger (@arusbridger) July 23, 2012
11.11am: Garnham, for the Met, says the Guardian and lawyers representing the victims of press intrusion have conflated and confused perception and reality of police and press relations.11.11am: Garnham, for the Met, says the Guardian and lawyers representing the victims of press intrusion have conflated and confused perception and reality of police and press relations.
11.01am: The Met admits that the decision to close down the phone hacking investigations since 2006 was "taken too quickly and with a defensive and closed mindset".11.01am: The Met admits that the decision to close down the phone hacking investigations since 2006 was "taken too quickly and with a defensive and closed mindset".
10.58am: Neil Garnham QC, counsel for the Metropolitan police, is on his feet for closing submissions to the inquiry.10.58am: Neil Garnham QC, counsel for the Metropolitan police, is on his feet for closing submissions to the inquiry.
10.55am: Here is a summary of Sue Akers's evidence:10.55am: Here is a summary of Sue Akers's evidence:
• The Scotland Yard investigation into payments from journalists to police and public officials has widened to include Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror, Daily Star and Star on Sunday titles.• The Scotland Yard investigation into payments from journalists to police and public officials has widened to include Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror, Daily Star and Star on Sunday titles.
• DAC Sue Akers, head of the investigations, told the inquiry that one prison officer received £35,000 in payments from News International, Trinity Mirror and Express Newspapers between April 2010 and June 2011.• DAC Sue Akers, head of the investigations, told the inquiry that one prison officer received £35,000 in payments from News International, Trinity Mirror and Express Newspapers between April 2010 and June 2011.
• Another prison officer received £14,000 in payments from Trinity Mirror from February 2006 to January 2012, Akers alleged.• Another prison officer received £14,000 in payments from Trinity Mirror from February 2006 to January 2012, Akers alleged.
• Eleven journalists arrested on suspicion of phone hacking due to answer police bail on Tuesday.• Eleven journalists arrested on suspicion of phone hacking due to answer police bail on Tuesday.
• Met police believes there are more than 702 identifiable victims of phone hacking. It has notified 2,615 alleged targets to date.• Met police believes there are more than 702 identifiable victims of phone hacking. It has notified 2,615 alleged targets to date.
• Akers said some News International material appears to have come from stolen mobile phones.• Akers said some News International material appears to have come from stolen mobile phones.
10.46am: The inquiry takes a short break before closing submissions from newspapers.10.46am: The inquiry takes a short break before closing submissions from newspapers.
10.45am: Leveson says he will considering press coverage of his inquiry if it is relevant that they "support or undermine" complaints that have been made about newspapers.10.45am: Leveson says he will considering press coverage of his inquiry if it is relevant that they "support or undermine" complaints that have been made about newspapers.
10.43am: Leveson says he may have to hold new hearings, but the likelihood of these is "comparatively remote".10.43am: Leveson says he may have to hold new hearings, but the likelihood of these is "comparatively remote".
10.43am: The recipients of these letters will be expected to respond to the criticism with more than a "not me" defence, Leveson adds.10.43am: The recipients of these letters will be expected to respond to the criticism with more than a "not me" defence, Leveson adds.
10.42am: The Guardian's Dan Sabbagh has just tweeted:10.42am: The Guardian's Dan Sabbagh has just tweeted:
Leveson is trying to cool the inevitable press speculation that will occur as hacks ask who has been sent a Rule 13 letter in due courseLeveson is trying to cool the inevitable press speculation that will occur as hacks ask who has been sent a Rule 13 letter in due course
— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) July 23, 2012— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) July 23, 2012
10.42am: The inquiry will send "rule 13" warning letters to people who will be the subject of criticism in its final report, Leveson says.10.42am: The inquiry will send "rule 13" warning letters to people who will be the subject of criticism in its final report, Leveson says.
10.40am: Leveson indicates that he wants Lloyd Embley, the editor of the Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror, to explain his newspapers' alleged relationship with Matt Sprake, who runs the NewsPics agency and last week told of carrying out surveillance on more than 300 people over two years.10.40am: Leveson indicates that he wants Lloyd Embley, the editor of the Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror, to explain his newspapers' alleged relationship with Matt Sprake, who runs the NewsPics agency and last week told of carrying out surveillance on more than 300 people over two years.
10.37am: Lord Justice Leveson is now talking about the future of the inquiry.10.37am: Lord Justice Leveson is now talking about the future of the inquiry.
Leveson says he wants newspapers to give evidence on which of their journalists used Steve Whittamore, the private investigator at the centre of the Operation Motorman logs.Leveson says he wants newspapers to give evidence on which of their journalists used Steve Whittamore, the private investigator at the centre of the Operation Motorman logs.
He sets a deadline of 10 September for newspapers to reveal which of their journalists used Whittamore and what happened to the information.He sets a deadline of 10 September for newspapers to reveal which of their journalists used Whittamore and what happened to the information.
10.31am: The inquiry will publish 81 witness statements in the coming days.10.31am: The inquiry will publish 81 witness statements in the coming days.
10.30am: The Guardian's Lisa O'Carroll has tweeted:10.30am: The Guardian's Lisa O'Carroll has tweeted:
No Sherborne in court 73. Mark Thomson or Dominic Crossley expected to make statement for victims as they are in court #levesonNo Sherborne in court 73. Mark Thomson or Dominic Crossley expected to make statement for victims as they are in court #leveson
— lisa o'carroll (@lisaocarroll) July 23, 2012— lisa o'carroll (@lisaocarroll) July 23, 2012
10.29am: Akers says she will return to update the inquiry in the autumn.10.29am: Akers says she will return to update the inquiry in the autumn.
She has now completed her evidence.She has now completed her evidence.
10.29am: Akers says there has been a change in the culture and practice of News International, when asked by Lord Justice Leveson.10.29am: Akers says there has been a change in the culture and practice of News International, when asked by Lord Justice Leveson.
10.29am: Akers says the Met police has notified 2,615 people that they may have been a victim of phone hacking. She says 702 of these people "are likely to have been victims". A figure above 702 are likely to have been victims but for one reason or another the Met has not been able to contact them.10.29am: Akers says the Met police has notified 2,615 people that they may have been a victim of phone hacking. She says 702 of these people "are likely to have been victims". A figure above 702 are likely to have been victims but for one reason or another the Met has not been able to contact them.
10.25am: One of the mobile phone thefts took place in Manchester and another in south-west London, Jay says. The Met is examining whether this practice was isolated or more widespread.10.25am: One of the mobile phone thefts took place in Manchester and another in south-west London, Jay says. The Met is examining whether this practice was isolated or more widespread.
10.24am: Akers says some News International material seems to have come from stolen mobile phones.10.24am: Akers says some News International material seems to have come from stolen mobile phones.
In late 2010, one mobile phone was examined with a view to breaking its security code so its contents could be downloaded by "experts".In late 2010, one mobile phone was examined with a view to breaking its security code so its contents could be downloaded by "experts".
10.22am: Six people have been arrested under the Computer Misuse Act or on suspicion of handling stolen goods, Akers says. Each of those arrested are on police bail.10.22am: Six people have been arrested under the Computer Misuse Act or on suspicion of handling stolen goods, Akers says. Each of those arrested are on police bail.
10.21am: Akers is asked about Operation Tuleta.10.21am: Akers is asked about Operation Tuleta.
The Met police is examining allegations of data intrusion from 101 people, Akers says.The Met police is examining allegations of data intrusion from 101 people, Akers says.
Operation Tuleta is examining 8-12TB of data, she adds. A single terabyte would fill a mountain of books 3.5 times the height of Everest.Operation Tuleta is examining 8-12TB of data, she adds. A single terabyte would fill a mountain of books 3.5 times the height of Everest.
10.20am: The Guardian's Dan Sabbagh has just tweeted:10.20am: The Guardian's Dan Sabbagh has just tweeted:
Now onto the Sun. But note Mirror ex editor Richard Wallace admitted paying prison officers at Leveson....Now onto the Sun. But note Mirror ex editor Richard Wallace admitted paying prison officers at Leveson....
— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) July 23, 2012— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) July 23, 2012
andand
...Desmond said in an i-view with the Guardian that he was as sure as he could be of his audited accounts that wrongdoing had not occurred...Desmond said in an i-view with the Guardian that he was as sure as he could be of his audited accounts that wrongdoing had not occurred
— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) July 23, 2012— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) July 23, 2012
10.19am: Akers says there was a change in the nature of the co-operation between police and the MSC after adverse publicity following the arrests of Sun journalists.10.19am: Akers says there was a change in the nature of the co-operation between police and the MSC after adverse publicity following the arrests of Sun journalists.
The MSC began to ask police to "justify our request to a degree that we perhaps hadn't formerly been doing" and that the information was slower in being handed over, she adds.The MSC began to ask police to "justify our request to a degree that we perhaps hadn't formerly been doing" and that the information was slower in being handed over, she adds.
Akers says police have recently received "a substantial amount of material".Akers says police have recently received "a substantial amount of material".
10.16am: Akers is asked about arrests at the Sun.10.16am: Akers is asked about arrests at the Sun.
News Corp's MSC has provided a lot of evidence of "suspected criminality", Akers says, which has led to "very substantial" arrest days.News Corp's MSC has provided a lot of evidence of "suspected criminality", Akers says, which has led to "very substantial" arrest days.
10.16am: The Met police has served notices to the heads of legal for Trinity Mirror and Express Newspapers, says Akers.10.16am: The Met police has served notices to the heads of legal for Trinity Mirror and Express Newspapers, says Akers.
Trinity Mirror asked the Met to obtain a production order from a court; Express Newspapers want to draw up a voluntary protocol similar to News International, she adds.Trinity Mirror asked the Met to obtain a production order from a court; Express Newspapers want to draw up a voluntary protocol similar to News International, she adds.
10.14am: Akers says that the Met police believes another prison officer has received £14,000 in payments from Trinity Mirror from February 2006 to January 2012. She adds that the police have found articles in the Daily Mirror which they believe relate to these payments.10.14am: Akers says that the Met police believes another prison officer has received £14,000 in payments from Trinity Mirror from February 2006 to January 2012. She adds that the police have found articles in the Daily Mirror which they believe relate to these payments.
She says the "majority of these stories reveal very limited material of genuine public interest".She says the "majority of these stories reveal very limited material of genuine public interest".
10.12am: In one case a prison officer at a high-security prison received payment via their former partner, says Akers.10.12am: In one case a prison officer at a high-security prison received payment via their former partner, says Akers.
She tells the inquiry that this person's partner's bank account has revealed payments from News International, Trinity Mirror and Express Newspapers between April 2010 and June 2011 totalling £35,000.She tells the inquiry that this person's partner's bank account has revealed payments from News International, Trinity Mirror and Express Newspapers between April 2010 and June 2011 totalling £35,000.
Akers adds that the prison officer retired in June 2011 but there was a payment from Express Newspapers in February this year.Akers adds that the prison officer retired in June 2011 but there was a payment from Express Newspapers in February this year.
10.10am: Akers says that the Elveden investigation has recently established that some public officials have allegedly received payment from more than one newspaper.10.10am: Akers says that the Elveden investigation has recently established that some public officials have allegedly received payment from more than one newspaper.
10.09am: Akers says that 41 people have been arrested under Operation Elveden, including 23 current or former journalists, four police officers, nine current or former public officials and other people who allegedly acted as conduits10.09am: Akers says that 41 people have been arrested under Operation Elveden, including 23 current or former journalists, four police officers, nine current or former public officials and other people who allegedly acted as conduits
10.08am: Fifteen current and former journalists have been arrested and 12 are on bail under the Operation Weeting investigation into phone hacking, Akers says. Eleven are due to return to answer bail at various police stations tomorrow.10.08am: Fifteen current and former journalists have been arrested and 12 are on bail under the Operation Weeting investigation into phone hacking, Akers says. Eleven are due to return to answer bail at various police stations tomorrow.
10.07am: Jay says there was a pause of two or three weeks in the MSC's disclosure to the police from the middle of May to 13 June.10.07am: Jay says there was a pause of two or three weeks in the MSC's disclosure to the police from the middle of May to 13 June.
Akers does not say why the MSC paused its disclosure to the police, but that it resumed on 14 June and continues to the present.Akers does not say why the MSC paused its disclosure to the police, but that it resumed on 14 June and continues to the present.
10.05am: Jay asks about Scotland Yard's dealings with News Corp's management and standards committee.10.05am: Jay asks about Scotland Yard's dealings with News Corp's management and standards committee.
News Corp's two MSC figures, Will Lewis and Simon Greenberg, no longer attend regular meetings with the police, Akers says.News Corp's two MSC figures, Will Lewis and Simon Greenberg, no longer attend regular meetings with the police, Akers says.
"They decided they would prefer the meetings to be on a more formal basis with lawyers only," she adds."They decided they would prefer the meetings to be on a more formal basis with lawyers only," she adds.
10.05am: Akers says the Met police has worked closely with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) which has advised it over potential charges.10.05am: Akers says the Met police has worked closely with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) which has advised it over potential charges.
10.02am: The inquiry has begun and DAC Sue Akers takes the stand.10.02am: The inquiry has begun and DAC Sue Akers takes the stand.
Robert Jay QC, counsel to the inquiry, is leading the questioning.Robert Jay QC, counsel to the inquiry, is leading the questioning.
9.51am: If you want to watch Sue Akers's evidence live, there will be a video stream on the Leveson inquiry website here.9.51am: If you want to watch Sue Akers's evidence live, there will be a video stream on the Leveson inquiry website here.
9.49am: Good morning and welcome to the Leveson inquiry live blog.9.49am: Good morning and welcome to the Leveson inquiry live blog.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Sue Akers, who is leading the Metropolitan police investigations related to phone hacking, gives evidence to the inquiry today.Deputy Assistant Commissioner Sue Akers, who is leading the Metropolitan police investigations related to phone hacking, gives evidence to the inquiry today.
She is expected to advise the inquiry on the whether the three investigations – Operation Weeting, into phone hacking; Operation Elveden, into inappropriate payments from journalists to police and public officials; and Operation Tuleta, into breaches of privacy related to computer hacking – are close to being completed.She is expected to advise the inquiry on the whether the three investigations – Operation Weeting, into phone hacking; Operation Elveden, into inappropriate payments from journalists to police and public officials; and Operation Tuleta, into breaches of privacy related to computer hacking – are close to being completed.
So far 74 people have been arrested: 26 people in connection with Operation Weeting, 41 in connection with Operation Elveden and seven in connection with Operation Tuleta.So far 74 people have been arrested: 26 people in connection with Operation Weeting, 41 in connection with Operation Elveden and seven in connection with Operation Tuleta.
She is likely to say whether the number of officers working on the three investigations will soon be pared back. The three probes have put huge strain on Scotland Yard, at a time when it is preparing high-level operations relation to the London Olympics.She is likely to say whether the number of officers working on the three investigations will soon be pared back. The three probes have put huge strain on Scotland Yard, at a time when it is preparing high-level operations relation to the London Olympics.
The Met has 19 officers working on Operation Tuleta, compared with 96 officers and civilian personnel on Operation Weeting and 70 on Operation Elveden.The Met has 19 officers working on Operation Tuleta, compared with 96 officers and civilian personnel on Operation Weeting and 70 on Operation Elveden.
Akers, who will step down from the role later this year, last appeared at the inquiry in February, shortly after the first arrests of Sun journalists under Operation Elveden.Akers, who will step down from the role later this year, last appeared at the inquiry in February, shortly after the first arrests of Sun journalists under Operation Elveden.
She told the inquiry that the Sun had established a "network of corrupted officials" and had created a "culture of illegal payments". Akers alleged that one individual received £80,000 in corrupt payments over a number of years, and told the inquiry that one Sun journalist drew more than £150,000 over the years to pay sources.She told the inquiry that the Sun had established a "network of corrupted officials" and had created a "culture of illegal payments". Akers alleged that one individual received £80,000 in corrupt payments over a number of years, and told the inquiry that one Sun journalist drew more than £150,000 over the years to pay sources.
The inquiry will also hear closing submissions from the Met, Telegraph Media Group and Associated Newspapers.The inquiry will also hear closing submissions from the Met, Telegraph Media Group and Associated Newspapers.
The inquiry begins at 10am.The inquiry begins at 10am.
Please note that comments have been switched off for legal reasons. Please note that comments have been switched off for legal reasons.