Neville Thurlbeck's full statement on phone hacking charges

Following today’s announcement that I am to be charged in relation to Operation Weeting, I would like to thank my family and friends for their undying support during the past 15 months.

My thanks also to my lawyer Henri Brandman for his wise and calm counsel during the police investigation.

I am most surprised and disappointed in the outcome. I have always operated under the strict guidance and advice of News International’s lawyers and under the instructions of the newspaper’s editors which will be abundantly clear when this matter comes to court.

I will vigorously fight to clear my reputation.

Neither I nor my lawyer will be making any further comment at this stage.