Mirror publisher apologises to Prince Harry over unlawful information gathering

10 May 2023 , 11:55

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Prince Harry is bringing damages claims against Mirror Group Newspapers (Image: PA)

The publisher of the Mirror has "unreservedly" apologised to the Duke of Sussex for an instance of unlawful information gathering, the High Court has been told.

Several high-profile figures, including Harry, are bringing damages claims against MGN Limited over alleged unlawful information gathering at The Mirror, Sunday Mirror and The People.

Claims brought by four individuals, one of whom is the duke, are being heard in a trial as "representative" cases of the types of allegations facing the publisher.

MGN, publisher of The Mirror, Sunday Mirror and The People, is contesting some of the claims and says some have been brought too late.

A spokesperson said: "Where historical wrongdoing has taken place we have made admissions, take full responsibility and apologise unreservedly, but we will vigorously defend against allegations of wrongdoing where our journalists acted lawfully.

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"MGN is now part of a very different company. We are committed to acting with integrity and our objective in this trial is to allow both the business and our journalists to move forward from events that took place many years ago."

At the start of the trial on Wednesday, Andrew Green KC, for MGN, said voicemail interception was denied in the trial cases, including Harry's.

The Mirror has apologised "unreservedly" to Prince Harry (PA)

However Mr Green also said the publisher "unreservedly apologises" to the duke for one instance of unlawful information gathering and that it accepts he was entitled to "appropriate compensation".

As well as Harry, Coronation Street actors Nikki Sanderson and Michael Turner and comedian Paul Whitehouse's ex-wife Fiona Wightman are all expected to give evidence during the six to seven-week trial.

Mr Green said voicemail interception was denied in all four cases and that there was "no evidence or no sufficient evidence".

The barrister continued: "There is some evidence of the instruction of third parties to engage in other types of unlawful information gathering in respect of each of the claimants, save for Mr Turner whose claim is entirely denied, and MGN has made pleaded admissions in respect thereof.

"MGN unreservedly apologises for all such instances of unlawful information gathering, and assures the claimants that such conduct will never be repeated."

At the start of the hearing in London, barrister David Sherborne, for the duke and other people bringing claims, said that the case featured unlawful activities on an "industrial scale carried out across three newspapers over a period of about 20 years or so".

Addressing Harry's case, Mr Sherborne said his claim covered the period 1995 to 2011 and is "significant not just in terms of the span but also the range of activities".

The case continues.

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