As well as the serial hacking of Ms Middleton – including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day in 2005 – The Old Bailey court heard yesterday that the disgraced journalist frequently eavesdropped on the voicemails of Princes William and Harry.
When asked why Kate Middleton – who was first hacked on October 21, 2005 – was targeted Goodman told the court it was because she was fast becoming a “figure of increasing importance around the royal family.”
“There were discussions about her and Prince William marrying, moving in, settling down. She started to receive semi-royal status and things were moving on,” said Goodman.
Disgraced former News of the World royal editor, Clive Goodman.
The 56-year-old father of one told the court he targeted the young royals in 2005 and 2006 and even hacked Miss Middleton – now the Duchess of Cambridge – on August 7, 2006, which was the day before police arrested Goodman.
He is accused of two counts of conspiring with his formerNews of the World editor, Andy Coulson and others to commit misconduct in public office – charges which he denies.
According to the BBC, during his return to the witness box after weeks of poor-health Goodman was cross-examined by Coulson’s lawyer, Timothy Langdale and accused of “hacking on a much wider scale than you have told this court about”.
“I’m not on trial for hacking. I completely agree I hacked these people’s phones. I am happy to give a full account of every single one of these,” Goodman told the court.
Kate and William early on in their relationship.
When presented with a list of victims, Goodman insisted he had been as “open and honest” about hacking as possible and he had not earlier told police or prosecutors about the true extent of his hacking involvement because he was never asked about it.
“There has been no intention to deceive you or anybody else in relation to phone hacking,” said Goodman.
The witness said he had been assured by the Crown Prosecution Service he would face no more hacking charges.
The trial continues.
