OVER the past week, we have strongly argued the case for blocking Government proposals to limit the media's use of the Freedom of Information Act to save costs.

In an age of political spin and mistrust, we believe it is essential that news organisations have as much access to information as possible so that public authorities are called to account.

But we also recognise that journalists must play their part by ensuring that they act in the public interest and do not abuse their privileged positions.

Clive Goodman, royal editor of Britain's biggest-selling newspaper, the News of the World, has clearly abused his position by plotting to intercept messages on mobile telephones belonging to celebrities and members of the Royal Family.

The News of the World has a proud record of exposing crooks and cheats and the value of that work should be recognised. But hacking into personal telephone calls for the sake of celebrity tittle-tattle is simply abhorrent.

Britain should be proud of its free press because it is an essential ingredient in a democratic society. But that freedom must come with a commitment to self-regulation and adherence to the industry's code of practice as governed by the Press Complaints Commission.

Clive Goodman's unacceptable crime will spread suspicion about the dealings of newspapers and undermine the good work of the vast majority.

He now awaits his sentence and it is our view that his criminal interference with the personal freedom of others warrants the removal of his own liberty.