Jury finds him not guilty after trial at the Old Bailey

The Chiswick based former deputy editor of the News of the World, Neil Wallis, has walked free from the Old Bailey after being cleared of charges related to phone hacking at the now defunct newspaper.

The jury found the 64-year old journalist who was known as the 'Wolfman', not guilty, after a four-day deliberation. The verdict brings to an end his four-year battle to clear his name.

Mr Wallis was not accused of hacking phones, but prosecutors alleged he "knew" it was happening and "agreed" to it.

Mr Wallis broke down in tears as he was cleared of conspiring to illegally intercept voicemails between January 2003 and August 2006, the time he had been editor Andy Coulson's right-hand-man.

After the verdict he tweeted a 'thank you' to his supporters.

On Twitter, he said he had been "Overwhelmed by a tidal wave of support and good wishes from across all media and twitter upon my acquittal - thanks so much #StillStanding"

During the trial, it was alleged by the prosecution he was aware of the activities of Dan Evans a reporter who was convicted of phone hacking last year. Mr. Wallis denied this.

July 1, 2015