Would you Give This Man 100,000 Quid?

Mulcair: No hush money = no hush.

Cos, y'know, the News of the World did. But now they don't.

Gosh, whatever did they pay this man for? I mean, I know he's gone to prison for his role in hacking into personal voicemail, but now that he's out - what's he up to?

Answer: He is deeply mired in legal troubles.The kind that cost lots and lots of money. Until recently Mr. Mulcair has been silent and apparently able to pay his attorney. Wonder if those two facts have a common cause?

Ryan Chittum has one theory.

July 20, 2011 - News International lets it be known that it will no longer pay for Mulcair's attorney.  As in "Oh, you know about us paying his legal bills? Well... we just stopped doing that. So there."

July 29, 2011 - Mulcair makes a public statement:

Glenn Mulcaire has already expressed his sincere regret to those who have been hurt and affected by his activities and he repeats that apology most sincerely.


He was effectively employed by News of the World from 2002 to carry out his role as a private investigator.
As he accepted when he pleaded guilty in 2007 to charges of phone interception he admits that his role did include phone hacking. As an employee he acted on the instructions of others.

There were also occasions when he understood his instructions were from those who genuinely wished to assist in solving crimes. Any suggestion that he acted in such matters unilaterally is untrue. In the light of the ongoing police investigation, he cannot say any more.

Oh, but he will. He'll say a lot more, now that the News International money fairy has gone away. Most likely under oath.
Best prepare yourself for a smear-a-thon, Mr. Mulcair - NI is not going to be happy with you.

Expect every bad thing you've ever done to start appearing on the front page.