LONDON, England (AP) — The British prime minister's former media adviser and six others have appeared in court on charges of conspiracy to hack phones.

Andy Coulson, who edited the News of the World tabloid before joining Prime Minister David Cameron's staff, spoke only to confirm his name and address today during a brief appearance at London's Westminster Magistrates' Court.

Others in court were the newspaper's ex-managing editor Stuart Kuttner, ex-news editor Greg Miskiw, ex-head of news Ian Edmondson, ex-chief reporter Neville Thurlbeck, ex-reporter James Weatherup and private detective Glenn Mulcaire.

They each face a charge of conspiracy to hack phones between October 2000 and August 2006, plus charges specific to each defendant.

All were granted bail. Their next court appearance was set for September 26.

Rupert Murdoch's News Corp closed the tabloid in July last year.