Former News of the World Journalists Jules Stenson and Neil Wallis Charged with Phone Hacking

Two former News of the World journalists have been charged with phone hacking offences.

Jules Stenson, the newspaper's former features editor and Neil Wallis, former deputy editor of the now-defunct Sunday paper, are accused of conspiring with former editor Andy Colson and other staff to intercept voicemail messages between January 2003 and January 2007.

The pair were arrested under Operation Pinetree, a Met Police investigation into allegations that NotW features staff obtained information via phone hacking.

Both Stenson and Wallis are due to be appear before Westminster Magistrate's Court on 21 August to face the charges.

Gregor McGill, a senior lawyer at the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "The CPS has authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Jules Stenson, former features editor of the News of the World and to summons Neil Wallis, former deputy editor of the News of the World with an offence of conspiracy to intercept communications in the course of their transmission, commonly known as 'phone hacking'.

"May I remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against them will now be commenced and of their right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

Coulson, former spin doctor for prime minster David Cameron, was sentenced to 18 months in jail after been found guilty of conspiracy to hack phones.

Former NotW chief correspondent Neville Thurlbeck and news editor Greg Miskiw were also sentenced to six months in jail after pleading guilty to conspiracy to intercept communications.

Private investigator Glenn Mulcaire, assistant news editor, James Weatherup and former reporter Dan Evans were all given suspended sentences after admitting phone hacking charges.