Seven people accused in connection with a phone hacking scandal have appeared before Westminster Magistrates' court in London.

They include the former communications chief of British Prime Minister David Cameron, and six employees from the now closed News of the World newspaper. Prosecutors allege that in order to obtain exclusive stories, the group illegally accessed the voicemails of celebrities and politicians.

The scandal rocked Rupert Murdoch's media empire and raised questions over Cameron's judgement.

Seven people accused in connection with a phone hacking scandal have appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ court in London.