The phone-hacking trial yesterday heard the ex-managing editor of the News of the World told police the newspaper received Milly Dowler's mobile number and pin from her school friends.
Stuart Kuttner, 73, of Broomhill Walk, Woodford Green, allegedly made contact with the police at the time of the investigation in 2002 and informed them of a voicemail message left by a recruitment agency in Telford.
However, the police initially thought the message was a hoax and Sarah McGregor, head of communications at Surrey police at the time, claimed a professional “hoaxer” had already contacted Miss Dowler’s mother to wish her a happy birthday.
The Old Bailey heard Mr Kuttner then emailed Ms McGregor six days later asking about the police investigation.
The trial centres on an alleged conspiracy to hack phones between October 3, 2000 and August 9, 2006.
Eight defendants, including Mr Kuttner and former News of the World editors Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson, deny the charges.
The trial continues.
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