FORMER spin doctor Andy Coulson is facing charges linked to alleged bribery of public officials.

The 44-year-old, who lives in Forest Hill, and former News of the World (NOTW) royal correspondent Clive Goodman are accused of conspiring to pay for information including a royal phone directory, the Crown Prosecution Service has announced.

He is one of five people, including ex-News International Chief executive Rebekah Brooks, facing charges linked to alleged bribery of public officials.

Former editor of the NOTW Coulson denied any wrongdoing. He said: "I am extremely disappointed by this latest CPS decision.

“I deny the allegations made against me and will fight the charges in court."

David Cameron's former spin doctor Coulson and Goodman face two counts of conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office - one between August 31 2002 and January 31 2003, and the other between January 31 and June 3 2005.

They relate to the alleged request and authorisation of payments to public officials in exchange for information, including a royal phone directory known as the "Green Book".

Eight people, including Coulson and Brooks, face charges linked to an alleged conspiracy to hack phones.