The trial may take six months. Here is what the eight accused are charged with:

Brooks, 45, of and Coulson, 45, fare accused of conspiring with former News of the World head of news Ian Edmondson, 44, from Raynes Park, and the tabloid's ex-managing editor Stuart Kuttner, 73, from Woodford Green, Essex, and others to illegally access voicemails between 3 October 2000 and 9 August 2006.

Ex-NotW and Sun editor Brooks is also charged with two counts of conspiring with others to commit misconduct in public office (pay public officials) and two counts of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice – one with her former personal assistant Cheryl Carter, 49, from Chelmsford in Essex.