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Agency boss exposed by Exaro defends activities to Leveson

Cash offer to public officials for information was first made in ‘different environment’

By David Hencke and Alison Winward | 18 July 2012

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Pic (left): Leveson inquiry

Inquiry: Lord Justice Leveson and Matt Sprake

I am sure that you can understand why [it] excited the attention of the inquiry

Lord Justice Leveson

Former police photographer Matt Sprake defended his picture agency at the Leveson inquiry this afternoon after being exposed by Exaro.

Lord Justice Leveson’s inquiry into newspaper practices summoned him to explain why his agency, offered thousands of pounds to police officers and other public officials for information on celebrities.

Sprake admitted under questioning by the judge today that the offer was a mistake.

Leveson told him: “I am sure that you can understand why [it] excited the attention of the inquiry.”

Update 23 July 2012: Leveson today invited Lloyd Embley, editor of the Daily and Sunday Mirror, to provide evidence in response to Sprake’s testimony.

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