Rebekah Brooks

Rebekah Brooks

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.

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