View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

  1. Media Law
August 29, 2012updated 12 Aug 2014 8:18pm

Former Times journalist arrested in hacking probe

By PA Media Lawyer

A former Times journalist was arrested today on suspicion of computer hacking.

The 28-year-old man, understood to be former Times media reporter Patrick Foster, was held at his north London home this morning.

It is understood the arrest relates to a Scotland Yard investigation into the hacking of the email account of Lancashire detective Richard Horton in 2009 which unmasked him as the author of the anonymous NightJack blog.

Foster is the 11th person to be arrested by detectives from Operation Tuleta, the Metropolitan Police investigation into computer-hacking, which is running alongside the phone-hacking scandal investigation, Operation Weeting.

He was also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

After leaving The Times Foster freelanced extensively for The Guardian and also wrote pieces for The Telegraph.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "Officers from Operation Tuleta, the investigation into criminal breaches of privacy including computer-hacking which is being carried out in conjunction with MPS phone hacking inquiries, arrested a man in North London this morning, 29 August.

Content from our partners
Free journalism awards for journalists under 30: Deadline today
MHP Group's 30 To Watch awards for young journalists open for entries
How PA Media is helping newspapers make the digital transition

"The 28-year-old man, a journalist, was arrested at his home address at approximately 7am for suspected offences under the Computer Misuse Act 1990 and suspected conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, contrary to the Criminal Law Act 1977."

He was being questioned at a North London police station.

Topics in this article :

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Select and enter your email address Weekly insight into the big strategic issues affecting the future of the news industry. Essential reading for media leaders every Thursday. Your morning brew of news about the world of news from Press Gazette and elsewhere in the media. Sent at around 10am UK time. Our weekly does of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry.
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thanks for subscribing.

Websites in our network