Rebekah Brooks security guard charged with conspiring to hide computers from police

A security guard used by former News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks has been charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

It is alleged that between 15 July 2011 and 19 July 2011 David Johnson conspired together with Brooks, her husband Charlie, Mark Hanna, Lee Sandell, Daryl Jorsling and Paul Edwards, and with persons unknown, to conceal computers and other items from officers of the Metropolitan Police.

Police were at this time investigating allegations of phone-hacking and corruption of public officials in relation to the News of the World and The Sun.

Senior lawyer with the Crown Prosecution Service Gregor McGill said:

"This statement is made in the interests of transparency and accountability to explain the decisions reached in respect of cases arising from Operation Sacha, which is the Metropolitan Police Service investigation into allegations of perverting the course of justice relating to Operation Weeting and Operation Elveden.

"This announcement relates to a file of evidence from the Metropolitan Police Service that was received by the CPS on 8 March 2013.

"Following a careful review of the evidence, we have concluded that David Johnson, a security professional who was employed to provide a protection service to Rebekah Brooks, should be charged with an offence of conspiracy to pervert the course of public justice.

"It is alleged that between the 15 and 19 July 2011 Mr Johnson conspired to pervert the course of justice by concealing computers and other items from the Metropolitan Police Service during its investigation into allegations of phone hacking and the corruption of public officials by journalists. It is alleged that he conspired with the six defendants already charged in relation to this aspect of Operation Sacha.

“The decision to prosecute has been taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

"Accordingly, we have authorised the institution of proceedings and Mr Johnson will appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court on 8 May 2013.

"May I remind all concerned that proceedings for a criminal offence involving Mr Johnson will now be commenced and that he has a right to a fair trial. It is very important that nothing is said, or reported, which could prejudice that trial. For these reasons it would be inappropriate for me to comment further."