The hacking trial verdicts, when they finally came three years after the closure of the News of the World, were better for Rupert Murdoch than for David Cameron, the UK prime minister, who let himself be drawn into the media mogul’s orbit.
Rebekah Brooks, the defendant who was closest to Mr Murdoch – and who is still close – was cleared of all charges while Andy Coulson, Mr Cameron’s press secretary until the hacking scandal erupted, was convicted at the Old Bailey of conspiracy to intercept voicemail messages.
Mr Cameron gave the apology he had promised if Mr Coulson were found guilty. Mr Murdoch, who told a critical House of Commons committee two years ago, “this is the most humble day of my life”, was invisible.