Prime Minister David Cameron was heavily criticised for almost collapsing the phone-hacking trial in its final stages by commenting on ex No 10 spin doctor Andy Coulson's conviction for phone-hacking while the jury was still deliberating.

Trial judge Mr Justice Saunders said he was "very concerned" about the comments the Prime Minister made after Coulson was found guilty of plotting to hack phones at the News of the World but while verdicts were pending on other charges.

Yesterday, Cameron led the way in what the judge described as "open season" by immediately offering a public apology for hiring Coulson in 2007.