Tony Blair advised Rebekah Brooks at height of hacking scandal, email shows

An email sent by Rebekah Brooks to James Murdoch dated July 11th 2011 details the advice given to her by Tony Blair at the height of the hacking scandal.

The email is broken down into bullet points. It says that she spoke to the former Prime Minister for an hour about the crisis engulfing News International.

He advised that they should have an internal inquiry headed by a criminal barrister - he suggested Ken MacDdonald would be a good choice.

Mr MacDonald was a close friend of the Blairs and held senior posts in the Labour government. He is described as "a great and good type" in the email.

Mrs Brooks says Blair advises that at the end of the police inquiry one report should be published clearing "you" - assumed to be James Murdoch - and a second report after any trials had been completed.

Mrs Brooks also says that he advised: "Keep strong and definitely sleeping pills. Need to have clear heads and remember no rash short term solutions as they only give you long term headaches."

She also claims that Mr Blair "will be there" for James, her and Rupert Murdoch and will offer fuller advice at later date.

The email had been mentioned to the jury previously but the judge has now agreed that the full draft should be disclosed to them.

Read: Hacking trial: Blair 'advised Brooks on how to shield Murdochs'