Rebekah Brooks Appears in London Court to Face Phone Hacking Charges

LONDON - Rebekah Brooks, the former CEO of News Corp.'s News International unit, on Monday made a brief court appearance here to face phone hacking charges.

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The ex-boss of the conglomerate's U.K. newspaper unit and long-time associate of chairman Rupert Murdoch was formally charged over phone hacking last month and appeared at the Westminster Magistrates' Court.

The appearance, which lasted from 10:05am until 10:08am, drew dozens of news reporters and photographers, as well as several members of the public. Brooks, who wore a dark blue business suit and black and white heels, had to state her name, home and birth date.

Brooks, who is also a former editor of the News of the World, faces one charge of conspiring to intercept voice mail communications between 2000 and 2006. She also faces specific charges relating to phone hacking against two victims.

She has said that she is not guilty of intercepting communications and vowed to "vigorously" defend herself.

In Monday's court session, Brooks' bail conditions were detailed. For example, she is forbidden from contacting other people charged in the phone hacking case.

Brooks also faces three charges of working to pervert the course of justice. She is scheduled to appear at London's Southwark Crown Court in relation to those charges on Sept. 26

Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com
Twitter: @georgszalai