News of the World man vows to fight hacking claim

THE News of the World’s former chief reporter broke his silence over the phone-hacking scandal yesterday to insist he played “no part” in the matter that led to his sacking.

Neville Thurlbeck, 49, was fired by News International earlier this month after being arrested in April on suspicion of conspiring to intercept voicemails while working at the now-defunct Sunday tabloid.

He issued a strongly worded statement in which he vowed to fight his unfair dismissal claim against his former employers “to the end”.

Mr Thurlbeck’s alleged role in the scandal has been closely scrutinised since details emerged of a June 2005 email headed “for Neville” which contained transcripts of illegally intercepted voicemail messages.

The e-mail, which surfaced in April 2008, appeared to contradict the company’s previous stance that phone-hacking was confined to a “rogue reporter”.

Speaking out for the first time since his name was linked to the hacking scandal through the “for Neville” e-mail, Mr Thurlbeck said: “At the length, truth will out. I await that time with patience, but with a determination to fight my case to the end.”

News International said in a statement: “News International is not able to comment on circumstances regarding any individual.

“As we have said previously, News International continues to co-operate fully with the Metropolitan Police Service in its investigations into phone hacking and police payments to ensure that those responsible for criminal acts are brought to justice.”