A former editor of one of the UK’s leading tabloids, who went on to become David Cameron’s chief spokesman, has been found guilty of hacking phones.

The News of the World editor, Andy Coulson, was found guilty of conspiracy to hack phones on Tuesday after an eight-month trial, and now faces prison.

His co-defendant, Rebekah Brooks, who edited both The Sun and News of the World before becoming a News International executive, was found not guilty. She was reportedly "overcome by emotion" upon hearing the verdicts and had to be helped from her seat by the court's matron and her solicitor.

Ex-News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks cleared of all charges in #hackingtrial at high court in London pic.twitter.com/u7hJhcEEi4 — BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) June 24, 2014



A jury on Tuesday unanimously found Coulson, an ex-adviser to Prime Minister David Cameron, guilty of conspiring to intercept communications. Brooks was acquitted of that charge and of counts of bribing officials and obstructing police.

Cameron is now expected to make "a profound apology" for employing Coulson, following through on a promise. Three years ago he said, "If I have been lied to, that would be the moment for profound apology. In that event, I can tell you I will not fall short."

PM spokesman say Cameron stands entirely by words in parliament promising to apologise if Coulson is found guilty. — Patrick Wintour (@patrickwintour) June 24, 2014



The nearly eight-month trial was triggered by revelations that for years the News of the World used illegal eavesdropping to get stories, listening in on the voicemails of celebrities, politicians and even crime victims. It had become a bit of a media circus in the UK, and news organizations camped outside the courtroom after the verdict hoping for a glance at Brooks or Coulson — an ironic twist for the former tabloid editors.

Three others — Brooks' husband Charles Brooks, her former secretary Cheryl Carter and News International security chief Mark Hanna — were acquitted of perverting the course of justice by attempting to hide evidence from police.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.