LONDON - The death of a 47-year-old former News of the World journalist made the biggest headlines across the British press on Monday and stunned his early mentor.

Sean Hoare, who made phone hacking allegations against News of the World, was found dead at home in Watford, north London, one day before Parliament began an inquiry into the scandal.

His allegations, published by The New York Times in September and subsequently by The Guardian, triggered the unfolding scandal.