Former News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks along with her husband Charlie Brooks leave Westminster Magistrates' Court

Former News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks and her racehorse trainer husband Charlie today made their first appearance in court on charges relating to the phone hacking scandal.

Rebekah Brooks' chauffeur Paul Edwards arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court

Mrs Brooks, 44, of Churchill, Oxfordshire, and her husband, 49, were bailed to appear for a preliminary hearing at Southwark Crown Court on June 22.

Mrs Brooks faces three charges of conspiring to pervert the course of justice, while her husband is charged with one count of the same offence.

She is accused of removing boxes of material from the News International archive and trying to conceal documents, computers and other material from Operation Weeting, Scotland Yard’s inquiry into the phone hacking scandal.

Also appearing at the court today were Mrs Brooks’ former personal assistant Cheryl Carter, aged 48, of Mildmay Road, Chelmsford, Essex, head of security at News International Mark Hanna, aged 49, of Glynswood Road, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, Mrs Brooks’ chauffeur Paul Edwards, aged 47, of Victoria Park Square, Bethnal Green, east London; and security consultant Daryl Jorsling, aged 39, of Vale Road, Aldershot, Hampshire.

They all face a single charge of conspiring to pervert the course of justice.

All the defendants were told their case is sent for trial and the first hearing will be on June 22.