Sun reporter Mazher Mahmood is to face trial accused of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

The news comes 14 months after he was suspended from his job following the collapse of the Tulisa Contostavlos drugs trial.

Mahmood was accused by the trial judge in that case of giving misleading evidence.

The former News of the World investigations editor was suspended by his employer News UK which said at the time: "We are very disappointed with this outcome, but do believe the original investigation was conducted within the bounds of the law and the industry's code. This was demonstrated by the CPS decision to prosecute.

"The Sun, of course, takes the Judge's remarks very seriously. Mr Mahmood has been suspended pending an immediate internal investigation."

A statement issued by lawyers Kingsley Napley on behalf of Mahmood today said: "I am deeply disappointed that, after a totally unjustified delay, the Crown Prosecution Service have today informed me that they have decided to charge me with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. I deny the offence. I will vigorously contest it at court.  In the meantime I have nothing further to say."