Brooks and Coulson had affair, court hears

In a blockbuster declaration at Britain’s phone hacking trial, a prosecutor said two of Rupert Murdoch’s former senior tabloid executives — Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson, later a top aide to Prime Minister David Cameron — had an affair lasting at least six years.

Prosecutor Andrew Edis made the disclosure during Coulson’s and Brooks’ trial on phone hacking and other charges, the first major criminal case to go to court in the hacking saga that has shaken Britain’s political, judicial and media elite.

Brooks, Coulson and six other people are now on trial, including Brooks’ current husband Charles. All deny the charges against them, which range from phone hacking to bribing officials for scoops to obstructing police investigations.