SENIOR Guardian journalist could face a police probe on phone hacking after it emerged he had admitted breaking into a businessman's mobile.

Assistant editor David Leigh made the admission in his own paper - which has led reporting of the hacking scandal - five years ago.

He said he got a "voyeuristic thrill" out of hearing private messages.

Speaking before former News of the World royal editor Clive Goodman was jailed for hacking, Mr Leigh added: "I've used some of those questionable methods myself over the years.

"I listened to the messages of a corrupt arms executive, the crime similar to that for which Goodman faces jail. It's hard to keep on the right side of legality."

Police have arrested 11 people over hacking.