Andy Coulson alleged to have conspired to bribe public officials to secure phone numbers of the Royal Family

David Cameron’s former communications director, Andy Coulson, conspired to bribe public officials to secure the phone numbers of the Royal Family, according to the charges against him announced today.

While he was editing the News of the World, Mr Coulson and the paper’s royal editor Clive Goodman are said to have paid public officials to obtain information - including a royal phone directory known as the “Green Book”.

The two counts of conspiracy to commit misconduct in public life allegedly took place between 31 August 2002 and 31 January 2003, and between 31 January 31 and 3 June 2005.

Mr Coulson said in a statement: “I am extremely disappointed by this latest CPS decision. I deny the allegations made against me and will fight the charges in court.”