Judge: Cameron could have collapsed trial

Britain’s prime minister has faced heavy criticism from a high court judge for almost collapsing the multi-million pound phone hacking trial by commenting on his ex-No 10 spin doctor Andy Coulson’s conviction while the jury was still out.

Mr Justice Saunders expressed his “concern” at David Cameron’s public apology for hiring Coulson in 2007, which was issued after he was found guilty of plotting to hack phones at the News of the World.

On Tuesday, Cameron led the way in what the judge described as “open season” on political reaction which saw Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, Labour leader Ed Miliband and others follow suit.