The hacking trial jury has been discharged after failing to reach verdicts on two charges against former No 10 spin doctor Andy Coulson of conspiring to commit misconduct in a public office by paying police officers for two royal directories.
The judge in the phone hacking trial considered halting proceedings earlier today after Andy Coulson's lawyer criticised the Prime Minister's "ill-advised and premature intervention" in the case, it can now be reported.
It follows the "full and frank apology" David Cameron made yesterday over Mr Coulson's appointment at Number 10.
David Cameron has been criticised by the phone hacking trial judge for discussing Andy Coulson while the jury was still considering charges.
As the phone hacking trial jury is discharged, here are some surprising facts about the eight-month case.