Andy Coulson and Rebekah Brooks trial date set for next year

Andy Coulson, Rebekah Brooks and Glenn Mulcaire (PA; Getty Images)

David Cameron's former spin doctor Andy Coulson and ex-News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks will face trial over allegations linked to phone hacking in September next year.

The pair appeared at the Old Bailey today with fellow former journalists from defunct tabloid the News of the World (NotW).

Ex-managing editor Stuart Kuttner, former news editor Greg Miskiw, former head of news Ian Edmondson, ex-chief reporter Neville Thurlbeck and former reporter James Weatherup are also facing charges, along with private detective Glenn Mulcaire. Kuttner was excused from attending the hearing today.

The seven former NotW staff face one general accusation of conspiracy to access voicemails which prosecutors say could affect up to 600 victims, along with other charges related to specific people.

Mulcaire is accused of four counts related to particular individuals.

Brooks, 44, from Churchill in Oxfordshire, is also accused of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice over allegations that she tried to conceal information from police investigating phone hacking and claims of corrupt payments to public officials at The Sun and the News of the World.

Sitting at the back of the dock wearing a cream jacket, she spoke only to confirm her name during today's hearing.

Brooks, her husband Charlie, 49, her former personal assistant Cheryl Carter, head of security at News International Mark Hanna, Brooks's chauffeur Paul Edwards and security staff Daryl Jorsling and Lee Sandell are all accused of perverting the course of justice.

The provisional trial date is September 9 next year.

All defendants were released on bail.

PA