London: Andy Coulson, ex-press secretary of British Premier David Cameron, and six others appeared in court on Thursday in connection with the charges they face over phone-hacking at media baron Rupert Murdoch’s now-defunct News of the World.

The group appeared before the Westminster magistrates Court. Coulson along with six staff members from the now-closed tabloid faces the phone-hacking charge between October 2000 and August 2006 and other related allegations.

Cameron’s former press secretary and others, including private investigator Glenn Mulcaire, spoke only to confirm their names and addresses during the short hearing and are next due to appear at Southwark Crown Court on September 26.

Coulson, a former editor of the tabloid, ex-managing editor Stuart Kuttner, former news editor Greg Miskiw, former head of news Ian Edmondson, ex-chief reporter Neville Thurlbeck and former reporter James Weatherup face a total of 19 charges, which they deny.

Coulson is charged with allegedly accessing the phone messages of murdered British teenager Milly Dowler, former Labour ministers David Blunkett and Charles Clarke, and George Best’s son Calum.

Rebekah Brooks, another former editor of the tabloid, will also appear in the Southwark Crown Court on September 3. (PTI)