Rebekah Brooks has been cleared of paying for a photo of Prince William in a bikini.
The former News of the World and The Sun newspaper editor was acquitted of one count of conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office after allegedly paying £4,000 to a public official for a picture of the royal dressed in the skimpy attire during a James Bond-themed party at Sandhurst.
The picture was never published but was reportedly part of an exclusive story titled ‘Willy in a Bikini’ for The Sun in September 2006 – at which time Brooks was editor – and was accompanied by a mocked-up image of Prince William in a green swimsuit.
After Brooks gave evidence in court on Thursday (20.02.14) Judge, Mr Justice Saunders said: "I have decided that there is no case for Ms Brooks to answer on count four. That is the charge relating to a picture of Prince William in a bikini.
"Whether or not there is a case to answer is for me to decide."
Prosecutor Andrew Edis QC had previously told the court that Brooks received an email asking to approve payment to a Sun journalist’s contact who was offering the photo.
Meanwhile, a jury will decide whether the former newspaper editor is is guilty of four further offences relating to the phone-hacking trial.
Rebekah Brooks cleared of Prince William bikini photo
