Widow's Shock At Whistleblower Death

The widow of a reporter who blew the whistle on phone hacking has said his death had come as a "tremendous shock".

Sean Hoare had made claims in a New York Times article about the Prime Minister's former communications chief Andy Coulson and people's voicemail being intercepted.

But Mr Hoare was found dead at his home in Watford, Hertfordshire, on Monday.

His death has not been explained but police said it was not being treated as suspicious.

The showbiz journalist was dismissed from the News Of The World (NOTW) over drink and drug problems.

Last year, Mr Hoare publicly claimed Mr Coulson was aware of phone hacking while he was the tabloid's editor.

The reporter gave an interview to the New York Times, and then to the BBC, about the use of phone hacking at the now-defunct newspaper.

His widow Jo said Mr Hoare was "a much-loved husband and also son, brother and uncle" who was "determined to follow his dreams".

The couple had been together for nearly 25 years and were married in 1992.

She added: "As his family and close friends know, sadly, Sean has not been in the best of health in recent years.

"But this has still been a tremendous shock and a day I had always dreaded and hoped would never come because we wanted to continue to laugh, love and grow old together."

Mr Hoare's parents John and Diana said in a statement that Mr Hoare was "a joy in our life".

A coroner is still waiting for toxicology results after a post-mortem examination.

Mr Hoare, who worked on The Sun before being recruited by Mr Coulson to work on the NOTW, previously told BBC Radio: "(Mr Coulson) was well aware that the practice exists.

"To deny it is a lie, simply a lie."

Mr Hoare was interviewed by police over the allegations he had made but would offer no comment, director of public prosecutions Keir Starmer said last year.

Mr Coulson, who was recently arrested and released on police bail by police investigating phone hacking, has denied allegations of wrongdoing.