BBC: Met may reopen phone hacking case

The BBC reports developments in the phone hacking scandal engulfing the News of the World and its former editor, Andy Coulson:

The Metropolitan Police has said it may reopen the investigation into claims of phone hacking by the News of the World if it uncovers new evidence.

Assistant Commissioner John Yates said officers would consider any new information – and examine if further action should be taken.

A former reporter on the paper has claimed the paper’s former editor, Andy Coulson asked him to hack into phones.

Mr Coulson has denied using or condoning the practice while editor…

One reporter – Sean Hoare – said he had been personally told by Mr Coulson to intercept phone messages. In a statement, Mr Yates said the Met has asked the New York Times to provide officers with any new material it has relating to the case. He said… “We were never made aware of the material from Sean Hoare before the [New York Times] article’s publication. We have sought additional information from them and will consider this material, along with Sean Hoare’s recent BBC Radio interview, and will consult the Crown Prosecution Service on how best to progress it.”

You can read the full BBC report here.