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Leveson inquiry: Evgeny Lebedev, Aidan Barclay, John Ryley - live Leveson inquiry: Evgeny Lebedev, Aidan Barclay, John Ryley - live
(40 minutes later)
1.05pm: A quick lunchtime summary of evidence given by John Ryley, head of news at Sky News:
• Ryley said he was not sufficiently aware of the Computer Misuse Act when he discovered a Sky News reporter had potentially broken the law by accessing the emails of "canoe man" John Darwin
• Ryley: "highly unlikely" Sky News will authorise potentially illicit newsgathering methods in the future
• Sources close to the prosecution suggested to a Sky News reporter that it might be "worth looking at" Darwin's emails, Ryley said
• Ofcom to investigate Sky News over 'canoe man' email hacking
12.55pm: Ryley says it is "absolutely correct" that Sky News is a separate news organisation from the former News of the World publisher, News International, although the BSkyB broadcaster is part owned by the Rupert Murdoch media group which owns News International.
He adds that "journalistic endeavours" of Sky News and "management structure" were entirely separate from those at News International.
Ryley has now completed his evidence. The inquiry resumes at 2pm with Evgeny Lebedev, owner of the Independent and London Evening Standard, and Aiden Barclay, chairman of Telegraph Media Group.
12.50pm: Ryley admits Sky News submitted an "inaccurate" statement to the Leveson inquiry in September asserting there had been no interception of communication by its journalists.
Ryley explains that they understood this to mean phone hacking, breaches of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, and payment of public officials.
"It is very regrettable indeed and I apologise," he adds.
12.47pm: Ryley says Sky News will "look very hard" at the issue of proportionality and will introduce new guidelines that spell out the balance of what is and is not allowed in the process of newsgathering.12.47pm: Ryley says Sky News will "look very hard" at the issue of proportionality and will introduce new guidelines that spell out the balance of what is and is not allowed in the process of newsgathering.
12.42pm: The local authority had "stonewalled" on a number of inquiries from more than one Sky News journalist on the issue, Ryley says.12.42pm: The local authority had "stonewalled" on a number of inquiries from more than one Sky News journalist on the issue, Ryley says.
In an email read out by Barr, the managing editor of Sky News gives Tubb the green light to guess the security question to access an email account belonging to Lianne Smith, the husband of Martin.In an email read out by Barr, the managing editor of Sky News gives Tubb the green light to guess the security question to access an email account belonging to Lianne Smith, the husband of Martin.
Tubb asks Simon Cole, the managing editor, in the email whether he should try to guess the security question. Cole replies: "Yes please Gerard. Legitimate public interest in inquiry good hunting."Tubb asks Simon Cole, the managing editor, in the email whether he should try to guess the security question. Cole replies: "Yes please Gerard. Legitimate public interest in inquiry good hunting."
This exchange took place on 23 May 2010. Ryley denies this approval was "cursory" and says he does not know whether Cole paid sufficient attention to the criminal law.This exchange took place on 23 May 2010. Ryley denies this approval was "cursory" and says he does not know whether Cole paid sufficient attention to the criminal law.
12.37pm: Ryley is asked about how Sky News can justify accessing the emails of Martin Smith, a suspected paedophile.12.37pm: Ryley is asked about how Sky News can justify accessing the emails of Martin Smith, a suspected paedophile.
Ryley says that Sky News believed that if the local authority had done more then they might have been able to track the Smith family down.Ryley says that Sky News believed that if the local authority had done more then they might have been able to track the Smith family down.
"The local authority, we believed, could have done more to find out the whereabouts of where the Smith family had run off to," he says, adding that it took the local authorities two years to track the family down."The local authority, we believed, could have done more to find out the whereabouts of where the Smith family had run off to," he says, adding that it took the local authorities two years to track the family down.
By accessing the email account of Mrs Smith we would be able to determine whether she was in contact with other people back in Britain … and also the extent to which Mrs Smith was living openly in Spain.By accessing the email account of Mrs Smith we would be able to determine whether she was in contact with other people back in Britain … and also the extent to which Mrs Smith was living openly in Spain.
12.30pm: The inquiry hears that Tubb, the Sky News reporter, wanted to use a "private eye" to check immigration records in Panama for the name used by John Darwin's son.12.30pm: The inquiry hears that Tubb, the Sky News reporter, wanted to use a "private eye" to check immigration records in Panama for the name used by John Darwin's son.
Ryley says that Sky News does not use private investigators, adding that using a freelance journalist to access the records of a foreign state is "unethical".Ryley says that Sky News does not use private investigators, adding that using a freelance journalist to access the records of a foreign state is "unethical".
12.27pm: The second episode of email hacking by Tubb, again authorised by former managing editor Simon Cole, was brought to Ryley's attention after it had been sanctioned.12.27pm: The second episode of email hacking by Tubb, again authorised by former managing editor Simon Cole, was brought to Ryley's attention after it had been sanctioned.
Barr asks what he thought of that hacking. "I thought it was agreeable that he did that," Ryley says, adding that it would be useful to help track down the money.Barr asks what he thought of that hacking. "I thought it was agreeable that he did that," Ryley says, adding that it would be useful to help track down the money.
Lord Justice Leveson asks whether Ryley was aware of the Computer Misuse Act. "I probably wasn't aware of it as I should have been, to give you an honest answer," Ryley says.Lord Justice Leveson asks whether Ryley was aware of the Computer Misuse Act. "I probably wasn't aware of it as I should have been, to give you an honest answer," Ryley says.
Barr asks whether he was aware of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act. Ryley says again that he was not as aware as he should have been.Barr asks whether he was aware of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act. Ryley says again that he was not as aware as he should have been.
12.25pm: Ryley says he does not know what the police did with information about the Darwin emails after they were passed to them by Sky News.12.25pm: Ryley says he does not know what the police did with information about the Darwin emails after they were passed to them by Sky News.
He adds that the police used passwords that Sky News had obtained and given to them. He does not know whether the police subsequently obtained the necessary warrants to access the emails.He adds that the police used passwords that Sky News had obtained and given to them. He does not know whether the police subsequently obtained the necessary warrants to access the emails.
12.20pm: This is the timeline of the John Darwin email-hacking saga, as seen by those at the Leveson inquiry today:12.20pm: This is the timeline of the John Darwin email-hacking saga, as seen by those at the Leveson inquiry today:
14 May 2008: Email between Tubb and Cole in which Tubb says in a year Darwin will have been brought to justice.14 May 2008: Email between Tubb and Cole in which Tubb says in a year Darwin will have been brought to justice.
Early June 2008: Tubb's sources make clear to him that the prosecution will not be accessing the Darwin's email accounts.Early June 2008: Tubb's sources make clear to him that the prosecution will not be accessing the Darwin's email accounts.
13 June 2008: Tubb accesses John Jones email account for the first time. He speaks to Cole and is authorised to access related accounts of Anne and John Darwin revealed by emails in the first account.13 June 2008: Tubb accesses John Jones email account for the first time. He speaks to Cole and is authorised to access related accounts of Anne and John Darwin revealed by emails in the first account.
18-19 June 2008: Further emails between Cole and Tubb – the latter indicating that he has accessed a number of email accounts.18-19 June 2008: Further emails between Cole and Tubb – the latter indicating that he has accessed a number of email accounts.
23 June 2008: Meeting between Cole, Tubb and Mark Evans, head of home news at Sky News. Evans is appraised for the first time of the activities. It is agreed that the information located should be passed to the police and that Tubb should first put the emails into a database and analyse them.23 June 2008: Meeting between Cole, Tubb and Mark Evans, head of home news at Sky News. Evans is appraised for the first time of the activities. It is agreed that the information located should be passed to the police and that Tubb should first put the emails into a database and analyse them.
27 June 2008: Tubb accesses remaining emails in Anne Darwin's account. He updates Cole and Evans with his findings by email. Cole refers to John Ryley who wanted an update on the story.

30 June 2008: Tubb asks Cole by email if Ryley has been briefed yet.		27 June 2008: Tubb accesses remaining emails in Anne Darwin's account. He updates Cole and Evans with his findings by email. Cole refers to John Ryley who wanted an update on the story.

30 June 2008: Tubb asks Cole by email if Ryley has been briefed yet.
1 July: Ryley is briefed for the first time.1 July: Ryley is briefed for the first time.
12.17pm: Ryley says he did not find it an easy decision to broadcast the Sky News story based on the information gained from Darwin's email account.12.17pm: Ryley says he did not find it an easy decision to broadcast the Sky News story based on the information gained from Darwin's email account.
"I stopped and reflected on it because we were giving it to police … and it was reasonable to use after the trial had finished and they had been convicted," he says, adding: "It was a good scoop"."I stopped and reflected on it because we were giving it to police … and it was reasonable to use after the trial had finished and they had been convicted," he says, adding: "It was a good scoop".
12.15pm: Sky News also unearthed voicemail messages left for Darwin in his email account.12.15pm: Sky News also unearthed voicemail messages left for Darwin in his email account.
Barr says that Ryley in his witness statement is "at pains" to point out that these were not obtained by phone hacking. He adds that they are similarly illicit methods.Barr says that Ryley in his witness statement is "at pains" to point out that these were not obtained by phone hacking. He adds that they are similarly illicit methods.
Ryley says he is not trying to say that one method is less or more illicit than the other.Ryley says he is not trying to say that one method is less or more illicit than the other.
12.13pm: Barr asks Ryley whether Tubb, the Sky News reporter, was investigating the crime rather than reporting on it.12.13pm: Barr asks Ryley whether Tubb, the Sky News reporter, was investigating the crime rather than reporting on it.
Ryley clarifies that he does not see them as one and the same, adding: "The job of my journalists is to report the news".Ryley clarifies that he does not see them as one and the same, adding: "The job of my journalists is to report the news".
12.11pm: Ryley is asked why Sky News believed Darwin's email account would contain newsworthy material.12.11pm: Ryley is asked why Sky News believed Darwin's email account would contain newsworthy material.
It was because John Darwin had been using emails a lot during the five years he had disappeared.It was because John Darwin had been using emails a lot during the five years he had disappeared.
"Sources close to the prosecution were clearly suggesting it might be worth looking at the emails," says Ryley."Sources close to the prosecution were clearly suggesting it might be worth looking at the emails," says Ryley.
Leveson intervenes again and asks Ryley if he is suggested that Tubb was encouraged by the prosecution to access Darwin's email account.Leveson intervenes again and asks Ryley if he is suggested that Tubb was encouraged by the prosecution to access Darwin's email account.
"No. I'm saying that sources close to the prosecution made clear that they weren't going to be following up on the emails. I don't think there was any encouragement, no," Ryley says."No. I'm saying that sources close to the prosecution made clear that they weren't going to be following up on the emails. I don't think there was any encouragement, no," Ryley says.
12.07pm: Barr presses Ryley on whether it is appropriate for a journalist to attempt to illicitly uncover information which they do not believe was being actively sought by the prosecution.12.07pm: Barr presses Ryley on whether it is appropriate for a journalist to attempt to illicitly uncover information which they do not believe was being actively sought by the prosecution.
"It's very difficult to make a firm decision on a hypothetical story that might arise in the future," Ryley says."It's very difficult to make a firm decision on a hypothetical story that might arise in the future," Ryley says.
Lord Justice Leveson contrasts the approach of Sky News with that of the police, who would have had to obtain a warrant to access Darwin's emails.Lord Justice Leveson contrasts the approach of Sky News with that of the police, who would have had to obtain a warrant to access Darwin's emails.
12.05pm: Ryley says the Sky News correspondent, Gerard Tubb, believed he could uncover important evidence in the email account of John Darwin after conversations with "sources close to the prosecution" in the court case against either him and his wife, Anne, in 2008.12.05pm: Ryley says the Sky News correspondent, Gerard Tubb, believed he could uncover important evidence in the email account of John Darwin after conversations with "sources close to the prosecution" in the court case against either him and his wife, Anne, in 2008.
Tubb accessed the emails on 13 June 2008 after a second conversation with sources close to the prosecution and after authorisation from Simon Cole, the former managing editor, says Ryley. He accessed further emails on 18 and 19 June, according to Ryley.Tubb accessed the emails on 13 June 2008 after a second conversation with sources close to the prosecution and after authorisation from Simon Cole, the former managing editor, says Ryley. He accessed further emails on 18 and 19 June, according to Ryley.
Tubb was working on the story for six months, Ryley says, adding that there would have been a series of discussions between sources close to the protagonists on the story "and there would be a lot of give and take" of information.Tubb was working on the story for six months, Ryley says, adding that there would have been a series of discussions between sources close to the protagonists on the story "and there would be a lot of give and take" of information.
12.01pm: Ryley says he learnt about the Sky News "canoe man" email hacking on 1 July 2008 and discovered more later. He says he learnt about the second instance of email hacking, of the "Smith family", in September 2011.12.01pm: Ryley says he learnt about the Sky News "canoe man" email hacking on 1 July 2008 and discovered more later. He says he learnt about the second instance of email hacking, of the "Smith family", in September 2011.
Asked by Barr, Ryley says that Jeremy Darroch, chief executive of BSkyB, the owner of Sky News, would have been made aware by general counsel of the email hacking, but does not say when.Asked by Barr, Ryley says that Jeremy Darroch, chief executive of BSkyB, the owner of Sky News, would have been made aware by general counsel of the email hacking, but does not say when.
11.59am: Ofcom is to investigate Sky News over the hacking of John Darwin's email account. The full story by Mark Sweney can be read here.11.59am: Ofcom is to investigate Sky News over the hacking of John Darwin's email account. The full story by Mark Sweney can be read here.
11.53am: Ryley says it is "highly unlikely given the nature of our business" that Sky News journalists will be carrying out activity that is potentially unlawful.11.53am: Ryley says it is "highly unlikely given the nature of our business" that Sky News journalists will be carrying out activity that is potentially unlawful.
Barr asks where Sky News would draw the line in the future on prima facie illicit newsgathering methods.Barr asks where Sky News would draw the line in the future on prima facie illicit newsgathering methods.
It is "highly unlikely" that Sky News will ever authorise email hacking or other subterfuge in the future, Ryley says.It is "highly unlikely" that Sky News will ever authorise email hacking or other subterfuge in the future, Ryley says.
Barr presses Ryley on whether Sky News has entirely ruled it out. "Okay, I am pretty much ruling it out … but journalism is at times a tough business and at times we need to shed light on wrongdoing," Ryley says.Barr presses Ryley on whether Sky News has entirely ruled it out. "Okay, I am pretty much ruling it out … but journalism is at times a tough business and at times we need to shed light on wrongdoing," Ryley says.
11.51am: Barr asks Ryley if use of subterfuge, including email hacking, would need to be authorised by him as head of news at the broadcaster. Ryley says that is correct.11.51am: Barr asks Ryley if use of subterfuge, including email hacking, would need to be authorised by him as head of news at the broadcaster. Ryley says that is correct.
Ryley adds that Sky News is a "non-stop, instant" broadcaster on all platforms. He says there is a mandatory process whereby Sky News bosses authorise in writing potentially illicit newsgathering techniques believed to be in the public interest.Ryley adds that Sky News is a "non-stop, instant" broadcaster on all platforms. He says there is a mandatory process whereby Sky News bosses authorise in writing potentially illicit newsgathering techniques believed to be in the public interest.
11.48am: Lord Justice Leveson intervenes to point out that the hacking of emails by a Sky News journalist was a prima facie breach of the criminal law.11.48am: Lord Justice Leveson intervenes to point out that the hacking of emails by a Sky News journalist was a prima facie breach of the criminal law.
"Where does the Ofcom code give any authority for the breach of criminal law?" Leveson asks."Where does the Ofcom code give any authority for the breach of criminal law?" Leveson asks.
"It doesn't," Ryley replies."It doesn't," Ryley replies.
11.46am: Barr is asking Ryley about the public interest defences outlined in the Ofcom code of practice, which covers newsgathering for the purposes of "revealing or detecting crime".11.46am: Barr is asking Ryley about the public interest defences outlined in the Ofcom code of practice, which covers newsgathering for the purposes of "revealing or detecting crime".
Ryley points out that there is no guidance on the use of subterfuge, and in particular about the interception of emails.Ryley points out that there is no guidance on the use of subterfuge, and in particular about the interception of emails.
11.43am: Dan Sabbagh, our head of media at the Leveson inquiry, has just tweeted:11.43am: Dan Sabbagh, our head of media at the Leveson inquiry, has just tweeted:
Ryley says he has "ultimate editorial responsibility" for Sky News (except he didn't when the CEO pulled a F1 story recently).Ryley says he has "ultimate editorial responsibility" for Sky News (except he didn't when the CEO pulled a F1 story recently).
— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) April 23, 2012— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) April 23, 2012
11.42am: John Ryley, head of Sky News, has taken the witness stand.11.42am: John Ryley, head of Sky News, has taken the witness stand.
David Barr, the counsel to the inquiry, is questioning Ryley.David Barr, the counsel to the inquiry, is questioning Ryley.
11.24am: More from Dan Sabbagh; this time on Aidan Barclay, chairman of the Daily Telegraph publisher who will give evidence this afternoon. He writes:11.24am: More from Dan Sabbagh; this time on Aidan Barclay, chairman of the Daily Telegraph publisher who will give evidence this afternoon. He writes:
Aidan Barclay is the great unknown; the eldest son of Sir David Barclay, he, like the rest of his family, cultivate a profile so low that it is unclear what Aidan will say today, and what points he will get across. He may explain why the Barclays are such keen newspaper owners, paying £665m for the Telegraph, a sum they will be very unlikely to recoup in full, even if the newspaper is now profitable.Aidan Barclay is the great unknown; the eldest son of Sir David Barclay, he, like the rest of his family, cultivate a profile so low that it is unclear what Aidan will say today, and what points he will get across. He may explain why the Barclays are such keen newspaper owners, paying £665m for the Telegraph, a sum they will be very unlikely to recoup in full, even if the newspaper is now profitable.
Aidan rarely appears in public (although he did appear in a Delaware court at the time of the Telegraph takeover battle). At that time Aidan struggled to account for the motivations and actions of his father and uncle Sir Frederick, but as chairman of the Telegraph Media Group (and an occasional visitor to Number 10) he is well placed to give an operational view.Aidan rarely appears in public (although he did appear in a Delaware court at the time of the Telegraph takeover battle). At that time Aidan struggled to account for the motivations and actions of his father and uncle Sir Frederick, but as chairman of the Telegraph Media Group (and an occasional visitor to Number 10) he is well placed to give an operational view.
11.14am: Dan Sabbagh expects Evgeny Lebedev, the young chairman of the Independent and the Standard, to speak about his familial ties to newspapers when he gives evidence to the inquiry this afternoon.11.14am: Dan Sabbagh expects Evgeny Lebedev, the young chairman of the Independent and the Standard, to speak about his familial ties to newspapers when he gives evidence to the inquiry this afternoon.
Sabbagh writes:Sabbagh writes:
Expect Lebedev to say a little about why his family have come into newspapers, contrasting his experiences of Britain with Russia, where the family also owns half of Novaya Gazeta, the most independent Russian newspaper. Lebedev is more British than Russian; a dual national, he has lived here since he was 8.Expect Lebedev to say a little about why his family have come into newspapers, contrasting his experiences of Britain with Russia, where the family also owns half of Novaya Gazeta, the most independent Russian newspaper. Lebedev is more British than Russian; a dual national, he has lived here since he was 8.
But while Lebedev will be very critical of phone hacking and law breaking by journalists, and is a strong believer in independent regulation, don't expect much other detail. The young owner has few detailed proposals about how to reform press regulation; it is a matter he is content to leave to specialists.But while Lebedev will be very critical of phone hacking and law breaking by journalists, and is a strong believer in independent regulation, don't expect much other detail. The young owner has few detailed proposals about how to reform press regulation; it is a matter he is content to leave to specialists.
11.03am: Welcome to the Leveson inquiry live blog.11.03am: Welcome to the Leveson inquiry live blog.
The inquiry begins today with John Ryley, the head of news at Sky News, at 11.30am.The inquiry begins today with John Ryley, the head of news at Sky News, at 11.30am.
Ryley is expected to be asked about the circumstances behind a Sky News journalist who was authorised by bosses to hack into email accounts on two separate occasions.Ryley is expected to be asked about the circumstances behind a Sky News journalist who was authorised by bosses to hack into email accounts on two separate occasions.
Sky News admitted earlier this month that Gerard Tubb, the broadcaster's north England correspondent, accessed the email accounts of John Darwin, the "canoe man" accused of faking his own death when his wife, Anne, was due to stand trial for deception in July 2008. The same reporter also accessed the email accounts of a suspected paedophile and his wife in an investigation that did not lead to any material being published or broadcast.Sky News admitted earlier this month that Gerard Tubb, the broadcaster's north England correspondent, accessed the email accounts of John Darwin, the "canoe man" accused of faking his own death when his wife, Anne, was due to stand trial for deception in July 2008. The same reporter also accessed the email accounts of a suspected paedophile and his wife in an investigation that did not lead to any material being published or broadcast.
Both email interceptions were approved by Simon Cole, the former managing editor of Sky News, although the offence does not have a public interest defence under the Computer Misuse Act. Ryley defended the actions in a statement earlier this month as in the public interest and "a legitimate part of responsible journalism".Both email interceptions were approved by Simon Cole, the former managing editor of Sky News, although the offence does not have a public interest defence under the Computer Misuse Act. Ryley defended the actions in a statement earlier this month as in the public interest and "a legitimate part of responsible journalism".
The inquiry will also hear today from Aidan Barclay, the chairman of the Daily Telegraph publisher, Telegraph Media Group. It will be a rare public appearance for Barclay, who is the son of Telegraph Media Group co-owner Sir David Barclay.The inquiry will also hear today from Aidan Barclay, the chairman of the Daily Telegraph publisher, Telegraph Media Group. It will be a rare public appearance for Barclay, who is the son of Telegraph Media Group co-owner Sir David Barclay.
Evgeny Lebedev, proprietor of the Independent and the London Evening Standard, will also give evidence on Monday. The Russian-born media boss bought the publisher behind the Evening Standard in January 2009 and became the owner of the Independent and Independent on Sunday in March 2010.Evgeny Lebedev, proprietor of the Independent and the London Evening Standard, will also give evidence on Monday. The Russian-born media boss bought the publisher behind the Evening Standard in January 2009 and became the owner of the Independent and Independent on Sunday in March 2010.
Unlike Barclay, Lebedev has spoken publicly about his views on the future of press reform in Britain. He told a committee of MPs and Peers in January that the British press was "under-regulated and over-legislated".Unlike Barclay, Lebedev has spoken publicly about his views on the future of press reform in Britain. He told a committee of MPs and Peers in January that the British press was "under-regulated and over-legislated".
Dan Sabbagh, the Guardian's head of media, is at the Royal Courts of Justice for the Leveson inquiry this week. He has filed this on today's hearing:Dan Sabbagh, the Guardian's head of media, is at the Royal Courts of Justice for the Leveson inquiry this week. He has filed this on today's hearing:
Proprietors week begins at Leveson this morning. But while we wait for the Murdochs, plenty of interest looms on Monday. First up is John Ryley, the head of Sky News, and the only non-owner present. Ryley has been asked to explain why his executives authorised email hacking by reporter Gerard Tubb on two occasions – most notably in the case of now-jailed "canoe man" John Darwin.Proprietors week begins at Leveson this morning. But while we wait for the Murdochs, plenty of interest looms on Monday. First up is John Ryley, the head of Sky News, and the only non-owner present. Ryley has been asked to explain why his executives authorised email hacking by reporter Gerard Tubb on two occasions – most notably in the case of now-jailed "canoe man" John Darwin.
Email hacking is a breach of the Computer Misuse Act, to which there is no public interest defence written in law – but expect a strong defence from Ryley who will say the email access was in the public interest because it helped detect serious crime, namely that Darwin's wife Anne was aware that her husband had faked his own death and the two had cashed in on a life insurance policy. This morning will come down to this: when (if at all) is email hacking justified?Email hacking is a breach of the Computer Misuse Act, to which there is no public interest defence written in law – but expect a strong defence from Ryley who will say the email access was in the public interest because it helped detect serious crime, namely that Darwin's wife Anne was aware that her husband had faked his own death and the two had cashed in on a life insurance policy. This morning will come down to this: when (if at all) is email hacking justified?
Please note that comments have been switched off for legal reasons.Please note that comments have been switched off for legal reasons.