A government official sold financial secrets to a Sun journalist who wanted to land the “next big scoop”, the Old Bailey has heard.
Clodagh Hartley, 40, of Manor Avenue, Brockley, allegedly transferred £17,475 to senior HMRC press officer Jonathan Hall for confidential material, including information about the 2010 budget.
Hall, 53, arranged with the journalist to transfer the sums to his personal account, before switching to his girlfriend’s bank in an effort to hide his tracks, it is claimed.
Hall’s partner Marta Bukarewicz, 45, who lives with him in Grafton Road, Kentish Town, allegedly agreed to receive the payments, jurors heard.
Prosecutor Zoe Johnson QC said: “Hall was motivated by greed and Hartley, the journalist, was motivated by acquiring the next big scoop, or exclusive.
“Although Jonathan Hall was a press officer... it was not part of his job to be paid for disclosure of confidential information he acquired.”
Hartley and Bukarewicz deny conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office. Hall is not before the court.
The trial continues.
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