#Hackgate :#NI's former legal adviser to answer Murdochs' allegations

Rupert and James Murdoch offered what could be described as a 'blame the lawyers' defence. Photograph: Rex Features

 

Jon Chapman, News International's former director of legal affairs, is understood to be preparing to write to the parliamentary committee looking into phone hacking in order to answer allegations made by his former employers, the Murdochs.

Chapman was one of a handful of senior and external legal advisers whose opinion on the extent of phone hacking at the newspaper group was called into question on Tuesday by James and Rupert Murdoch who appeared before MPs on the Commons culture, media and sport select committee. The Murdochs offered what could be described as a "blame the lawyers" defence.
On gardening leave having left News International two weeks ago, Chapman could not be reached for comment on Tuesday. However, he is understood to be preparing to write a letter to John Whittingdale, the chairman of the culture select committee, to "set the record straight", according to sources close to situation.

Any evidence from Chapman is likely to be extremely important in offering an opposing view of the critical 2007 internal inquiry put forward by the Murdochs and former chief executive Rebekah Brooks to MPs on Tuesday....read more

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