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Claims of Unlawful Information Gathering by Daily Mirror Publisher Disputed in High Court
In a recent court hearing, the High Court was informed that there is no evidence to support claims of unlawful information gathering made against the publisher of the Daily Mirror.
Four individuals, including Prince Harry, have brought forward allegations against MGM Ltd regarding the Mirror, Sunday Mirror, and Sunday People newspapers.
The representative cases also involve Coronation Street actors Nicky Sanderson and Michael Lavelle, as well as comedian Paul Whitehouse's ex-wife, Fiona Whiteman.
The allegations include voicemail interception, obtaining information through deception, and hiring private investigators for illicit activities.
During the second day of the trial, Andrew Green, representing MGM, emphasized that the four claimants have made extraordinary and baseless accusations regarding voicemail interception and unlawful information gathering.
Furthermore, he pointed out that the claimants are now making sweeping allegations against numerous third-party suppliers and private investigators without providing substantial evidence to support their claims.
Despite the gravity of these allegations and the number of parties involved, the claimants have failed to present significant evidence.
Earlier in the trial, David Sherborne, the representative for the four claimants, discussed an article published on the front page of the Daily Mirror in January 1999.
The article claimed that Prince Michael of Kent, a cousin of the late Queen, owed over £2.5 million to Coutts & Co, a bank.
Mr. Sherborne highlighted that the story was published with confidence, despite Prince Michael's denial.
He further mentioned that MGM settled Prince Michael's claim, indicating a recognition of wrongdoing.
Responding to the allegations, an MGM spokesperson stated that where historical wrongdoing has occurred, the company has acknowledged it, taken full responsibility, and offered sincere apologies.
However, they firmly asserted that they will vigorously defend against any allegations of misconduct when their journalists have acted within the bounds of the law.
The spokesperson also stressed that MGM is now part of a significantly different company and is committed to conducting business with integrity.
