Rebekah Brooks brought former News of the World news editor Greg Miskiw back from his job in New York because she considered the role “a waste of money” the Old Bailey heard today.

Upon his return to London, Brooks appointed Miskew head of the news investigations unit although she said they never socialised together.

Describing Miskew, Brooks said: "He was very old school and had been there forever… that's what it felt like to me. He ran quite a tight ship. People who worked with him said he was professional and hardworking, and worked long hours.