Ex-NoTW editor Brooks 'could be among first to face phone-hacking charges'

London, Apr 19 (ANI): Former News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks and a journalist from Britain's Guardian newspaper, may be among the first to be charged for their roles in the phone-hacking scandal.

Reporter Amelia Hill, whose newspaper's coverage of a story prompted a public inquiry into journalistic standards, was questioned last year by detectives probing leaks from the police investigation.

Officers investigating allegations of an attempted cover-up arrested Brooks, former editor of the News of the World, for a second time last month, with her husband Charlie and four others.

Brooks and Hill are believed to be among the 11 suspects whose cases have now been passed to prosecutors to consider whether they should face charges, The Daily Mail reports.

Director of Public Prosecutions Keir Starmer has said that the cases of four journalists, one police officer and six other individuals are being considered.

According to the paper, the News of the World's former chief reporter Neville Thurlbeck is believed to be another of the suspects.

A total of 43 arrested in connection with phone-hacking remain on bail.

Under recently unveiled new guidelines, prosectors will need to take into account privacy rights when considering action against journalist. (ANI)