A Mitcham bodyguard who protected former News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks has been charged with perverting the course of justice.

The CPS confirmed today that David Johnson, 47, of London Road in Mitcham, will face prosecution over claims he conspired with six others, including Ms Brooks, to conceal computers and other items from officers of the Metropolitan Police Service investigating allegations of phone hacking and corruption at the News of the World and The Sun newspapers.

Gregor McGill, a senior lawyer with the Crown Prosecution Service who handles prosecutions relating to phone hacking, said: "Following a careful review of the evidence, we have concluded that David Johnson, a security professional who was employed to provide a protection service to Rebekah Brooks, should be charged with an offence of conspiracy to pervert the course of public justice.

"It is alleged that between the 15 and 19 July 2011, Mr Johnson conspired to pervert the course of justice by concealing computers and other items from the Metropolitan Police Service during its investigation into allegations of phone hacking and the corruption of public officials by journalists.

"It is alleged that he conspired with the six defendants already charged in relation to this aspect of Operation Sacha.

"The decision to prosecute has been taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors."

The self employed bodyguard is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on May 8.