In a shocking revelation during an ongoing High Court trial, an American private investigator has confessed to engaging in “unlawful stuff” related to the Duke of Sussex. This admission adds a new layer to the allegations directed at Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) by a group of prominent figures, including Prince Harry, Sir Elton John, and Baroness Doreen Lawrence. The claimants allege they were targets of illicit information-gathering practices by the publisher, which ANL vehemently denies.
Unveiling the Secrets
Dan Portley-Hanks, also known as “Detective Danno,” took the stand on Tuesday, providing testimony that has sent ripples through the courtroom. The 79-year-old investigator stated that he cannot recall the specific details of his unlawful actions involving Prince Harry but acknowledged his involvement with the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday.
“I know that I did unlawful stuff on him, but I cannot recall what exactly,” he remarked, a statement that raises further questions about the extent of his activities during his tenure with the tabloid publications from the early 1990s until the early 2010s. Mr Hanks described himself as an “independent supplier of data to British tabloid reporters,” working closely with journalists Caroline Graham and Sharon Churcher, who he referred to as his “best client and the biggest payer.”
Allegations of Corruption
The private investigator elaborated on the methods he employed to obtain sensitive information, asserting that “all I needed was a name or a phone number, and I could find a target’s contact and other private details, usually within minutes.” His testimony took a darker turn when he claimed that he was instructed to facilitate payments to a former police officer for access to confidential files linked to the notorious Jeffrey Epstein case.
He recounted how he was tasked with tracing one of Epstein’s victims—identified as “Virginia”—and stated, “The Mail On Sunday were willing to spend as much money to identify her and track her down.” This revelation has further intensified scrutiny on the practices of tabloid journalism and its intersections with law enforcement.
Defence’s Counterarguments
Antony White KC, representing ANL, has firmly rebutted Mr Hanks’ claims, asserting that the publisher strongly denies any allegations of unlawful information gathering concerning Prince Harry. White highlighted inconsistencies in Mr Hanks’ testimony, pointing out that the private investigator’s claims of coming forward to assist the claimants in 2021 contradict Prince Harry’s assertion of being aware of Hanks’ supposed confession a year earlier.
Furthermore, White emphasised the absence of concrete evidence supporting Hanks’ allegations, arguing that no specific incidents of commissioning private investigators have been substantiated. The barrister also dismissed claims related to Liz Hurley and Sir Elton John as unfounded, describing them as “unsupported by the evidence before the court.”
The Road Ahead
As this high-stakes trial unfolds, the implications for media ethics and privacy rights are profound. The court proceedings, overseen by Mr Justice Nicklin, are expected to wrap up by March, followed by a written judgment that could set significant precedents for the future of tabloid journalism.
Why it Matters
This trial highlights the ongoing struggle between public figures and media organisations over privacy rights and ethical reporting practices. The admissions made by Mr Hanks not only shine a light on the potential breaches of trust within tabloid journalism but also raise pressing questions about the extent to which these practices have permeated the industry. As society grapples with the balance between freedom of the press and individual privacy, the outcomes of this case could have lasting ramifications for how media organisations operate in the UK and beyond.
