Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Rebekah Brooks with Rupert Murdoch at his London flat yesterday Ian Nicholson/PA Wire/Press Association Images

News International chief Rebekah Brooks faces police quiz

The former News of the World editor is likely to be questioned by officers investigating the phone-hacking scandal.

FORMER NEWS OF the World editor Rebekah Brooks is likely to be questioned by police over the phone-hacking scandal which closed down the paper.

Ms Brooks, who edited the tabloid from 2000 to 2003 as voicemails on the phone of murder victim Millie Dowler were allegedly being hacked into, has been widely criticised for refusing to resign as chief executive of News International. More than 200 journalists lost their jobs in the 168-year-old paper’s shutdown, including 22 in Ireland.

It’s understood she would be questioned as a witness rather than a suspect by investigating officers, according to the BBC. She is believed to have the full support of Rupert Murdoch, chairman of News International’s parent company.

Meanwhile, it’s been reported that Dow Jones chief executive Les Hinton could become the most high-profile casualty of the crisis. Mr Hinton was in charge of Murdoch’s UK newspapers at the time of the alleged hacking – and friends fear he is being blamed for failing to contain the scandal, according to the Financial Times. “Les will be sacrificed to save James [Murdoch, Rupert's son] and Rebekah,” one source told the paper.

Mr Murdoch flew to Britain yesterday in a bid to contain the crisis, which is threatening to derail his planned takeover of UK television giant BSkyB. Soon after arriving, he appeared publicly with his arm around Ms Brooks, Reuters reports. Asked what his priority was, he gestured to her and said “This one.”

Gallery: Preparing the Irish News of the World’s final edition >

Listen: NOTW staff angrily accuse Rebekah Brooks of arrogance at staff meeting >

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
5 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Darren
    Favourite Darren
    Report
    Jul 11th 2011, 8:16 AM

    Her smirk is reminiscent of the Mona Lisa. I feel sick.

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Agnes O Shaughnessy
    Favourite Agnes O Shaughnessy
    Report
    Jul 11th 2011, 8:29 AM

    what hold does she have over him!!! and agree the first thing that i seen in that pic was that smirk.

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lenny Sloane
    Favourite Lenny Sloane
    Report
    Jul 11th 2011, 8:33 AM

    Seriously, the hack of her. What has she got over them that they are protecting her for? There’s just no way she didn’t know what was going on. if she didn’t, how can she be trusted to run an organisation going forward. Either way she should lose but she’s not.

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Spillinksuz
    Favourite Spillinksuz
    Report
    Jul 11th 2011, 9:28 AM

    It’s all corruption guys…remember that this one knows things about alot of big wigs!
    Consider “who” as a collective are protecting her?

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Unitedpeople Ireland
    Favourite Unitedpeople Ireland
    Report
    Jul 11th 2011, 10:07 AM

    If its true (as the Mirror says this morning and The English Times refuses to even mention!) that the 9/11 phones was allegedly hacked too – its game over for Murdoch. His name will be ruined.

    As for Brookes, she must have some serious dirt on him to still be employed. That or she might be in bed with him in more ways than one!

    7
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds