'Blackmail' tape played in secret

Ian Strachan (above) and Sean McGuigan deny blackmail charges

Tapes at the centre of a royal gay sex blackmail trial have been played to a jury in a restricted court hearing.

The Old Bailey had already been told that the recordings include claims that a royal performed a sex act on a male employee, known as witness D.

Press and public were told to leave the courtroom. Four reporters were allowed to stay, but Mr Justice Cooke ordered them not to report the tapes' contents.

Ian Strachan, 31, and Sean McGuigan, 41, both of London, deny all charges.

Failed attempt

The Old Bailey has been told that the defendants demanded £50,000 from the unidentified royal member, called witness A.

They are alleged to have made eight hours of audio and video recordings of D, which are said to contain "scandalous" remarks about other royals.

The prosecution says the pair made a failed attempt to sell the tapes to newspapers before attempting to blackmail A.

The case continues.