The High Court has heard that a convicted phone hacker, who was paid more than £22,000 by a former tabloid reporter linked to the pressure group Hacked Off, was reprimanded over concerns he was not providing sufficient value for money. Private investigator Glenn Mulcaire received the substantial sum from Graham Johnson, who was researching alleged misconduct at the Daily Mail and The Mail on Sunday, publications that have consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Strategy to 'Swarm' Newspaper Group with Legal Actions
This research formed a crucial part of a broader strategy designed to 'swarm' the newspaper group with multiple legal actions. The ultimate aim was to garner public support for Hacked Off's objectives, which include reopening the Leveson Inquiry into Press standards. The court was informed that this tactical approach sought to apply significant pressure on Associated Newspapers, the publisher of the titles in question.
Internal Frustrations Over Mulcaire's Performance
Internal communications revealed apparent frustration with Mulcaire's output. In a memo to Hacked Off's then-director, Dr Evan Harris, a former Liberal Democrat MP, Mr Johnson expressed his concerns, stating he needed to get Mulcaire to 'raise his game' in providing valuable information. Dr Harris had previously remarked, 'I hope he [Mulcaire] does more than this brief note for his weekly money!'
Mr Johnson, who is also a convicted phone hacker, responded in writing, 'I'm trying to get him [Mulcaire] to raise his game. But he neither responds to threats or praise. I have b****cked him several times.' It is important to note that Glenn Mulcaire, who was not present in court, has 'consistently denied' any involvement in phone hacking for the Mail publications.
High-Profile Privacy Case Against Associated Newspapers
Mr Johnson and Dr Harris are now integral members of a 'research group' working on behalf of seven high-profile individuals who have initiated a privacy lawsuit against Associated Newspapers. The claimants in this notable case include Prince Harry and Sir Elton John. The publisher firmly denies all allegations that its journalists commissioned private investigators to engage in phone hacking, landline tapping, or the 'blagging' of private information.
Cross-Examination and Disputed Timelines
During cross-examination by Antony White KC, representing Associated Newspapers, Dr Harris repeatedly refuted suggestions that he had disclosed evidence to the claimants in an effort to persuade them to 'sue the a*** off the Daily Mail', as referenced in a prior email. While Dr Harris admitted he wanted the claimants to join the high-profile legal action, he denied showing evidence to actress Sadie Frost or former Justice Minister Sir Simon Hughes back in 2016.
Lawyers for Associated Newspapers contend that Miss Frost and Sir Simon were indeed presented with evidence at that time, which they argue means the statutory time limit for them to bring a claim has now expired. Both Ms Frost and Sir Simon have denied these assertions, maintaining they were not shown any evidence during that period. The legal proceedings are ongoing as the case continues to unfold in the High Court.
