Top cop Yates resigns in Murdoch scandal

From the New Statesman in Britain:

BREAKING: John Yates resigns

Posted by Samira Shackle – 18 July 2011 14:19

The assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police has resigned.

John Yates has resigned. The Metropolitan Police made the following statement:

“Assistant Commissioner John Yates has this afternoon indicated his intention to resign to the chair of the MPA [Metropolitan police authority]. This has been accepted. AC Yates will make a statement later this afternoon.”

This follows reports this morning that Yates was to be suspended pending an investigation into his handling of the phone-hacking crisis and his relationship with former News of the World executive Neil Wallis.

Yates, who told Sky News this morning: “I have done nothing wrong”, resigned before this suspension could take place.

He will be replaced temporarily by Cressida Dick.

MORE FOLLOWS…

Tables Turn On Murdoch As Scandal Rocks His Empire: here.

THE police watchdog ruled today that Scotland Yard inadequately investigated officers for using excessive force against a wheelchair-bound student fees protester: here.