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Prince Harry back in court for phone hacking hearing finale
Partner Steven Heffer comments on Prince Harry’s legal action against Associated Newspapers Ltd. for phone hacking and invasion of privacy.
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Published 31 March 2023
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Prince Harry, Elton John, and other well-known figures are suing British tabloid publisher Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) for phone hacking and invasion of privacy. The case is being heard in the High Court in London, and a judge will soon rule on whether to throw out or limit the lawsuit.
ANL are applying to strike out the claims at an early stage. It has been alleged by ANLs lawyers that the legal actions have been brought too late and are stale, but where there has been concealment of wrong-doing this argument is unlikely to prevail.
Even though the events occurred many years ago, the Court will take into account the denials of wrongdoing made at the earlier government Inquiry and the fact that the evidence of wrongdoing is substantially in the hands of the newspaper group.
Limitation periods can be extended if concealment of wrong-doing is proved. Other newspaper groups in earlier cases emphatically denied phone hacking or any unlawful information gathering, but have had to pay out many millions in damages and costs.
It is all a matter of evidence – and whether the Claimants are able to prove enough of what is alleged to persuade the court to open the door to ordering disclosure. Ultimately, that may be the deciding factor.
The Claimants are relying on substantial sums paid to private investigators as casting suspicion on ANL and evidence of some investigators who admit to unlawful information gathering.
Given the history of these sort of claims, it will be surprising if the Judge brings the case to an end at this early stage.
For more information, visit our Media & Privacy page.
These comments were first published by Associated Press News on 30th of March 2023.
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Prince Harry back in court for phone hacking hearing finale
Partner Steven Heffer comments on Prince Harry’s legal action against Associated Newspapers Ltd. for phone hacking and invasion of privacy.
Published 31 March 2023
Associated sectors / services
Prince Harry, Elton John, and other well-known figures are suing British tabloid publisher Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) for phone hacking and invasion of privacy. The case is being heard in the High Court in London, and a judge will soon rule on whether to throw out or limit the lawsuit.
ANL are applying to strike out the claims at an early stage. It has been alleged by ANLs lawyers that the legal actions have been brought too late and are stale, but where there has been concealment of wrong-doing this argument is unlikely to prevail.
Even though the events occurred many years ago, the Court will take into account the denials of wrongdoing made at the earlier government Inquiry and the fact that the evidence of wrongdoing is substantially in the hands of the newspaper group.
Limitation periods can be extended if concealment of wrong-doing is proved. Other newspaper groups in earlier cases emphatically denied phone hacking or any unlawful information gathering, but have had to pay out many millions in damages and costs.
It is all a matter of evidence – and whether the Claimants are able to prove enough of what is alleged to persuade the court to open the door to ordering disclosure. Ultimately, that may be the deciding factor.
The Claimants are relying on substantial sums paid to private investigators as casting suspicion on ANL and evidence of some investigators who admit to unlawful information gathering.
Given the history of these sort of claims, it will be surprising if the Judge brings the case to an end at this early stage.
For more information, visit our Media & Privacy page.
These comments were first published by Associated Press News on 30th of March 2023.
Associated sectors / services
- Media & Privacy
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