News of the World picture editor Paul Bennett has tendered his resignation but currently remains at the paper, writes Dominic Ponsford.
Bennett is a Fleet Street veteran who has previously been picture editor at the Sunday Mirror.
Sources close to the News of the World believe his exit follows a mistake made over the way the paper’s front-page exclusive video showing British troops beating Iraqi civilians was syndicated.
According to one well-placed source, Bennett offered his resignation at a meeting with editorial executives on Tuesday — but it was not accepted.
Apparently, editor Andy Coulson then told Bennett on Friday that he had decided to accept his offer to leave.
In recent weeks, Brian Roberts has joined the News of the World as associate picture editor and number two on the picture desk. He is a former NoW photographer who spent a period on the National Enquirer in the US.
Bennett is understood to be currently working out at least part of his notice.
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