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In a pivotal privacy trial, former Daily Mail editor Paul Dacre testified in the High Court, asserting that he took decisive action to end any unlawful newsgathering practices at the newspaper. Dacre’s statements come amidst a lawsuit involving high-profile claimants, including Prince Harry and Sir Elton John, who allege that Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL)—the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday—engaged in “grave breaches of privacy.”
Dacre’s Response to Privacy Allegations
During his testimony on Wednesday, Dacre acknowledged the possibility that private investigators associated with the Daily Mail may have employed illegal methods to gather information. This admission arises from a comprehensive investigation by the Information Commissioner’s Office into investigator Steve Whittamore, who admitted to breaches of data protection laws in 2005. Notably, the inquiry revealed that ANL utilised Whittamore’s services more frequently than any other newspaper group.
Dacre, who currently serves as the editor-in-chief of DMG Media Ltd, the parent company of ANL, has vehemently denied the accusations of unlawful newsgathering, labelling them “preposterous.” He had previously defended the practices of ANL during the Leveson Inquiry into press standards over a decade ago, claiming there was no evidence of phone hacking.
Examination of Evidence
In court, Dacre faced scrutiny over his past statements regarding the newspaper’s practices. He was questioned by barrister David Sherborne about emails exchanged in 2006 between freelance journalist Greg Miskiw and former Mail on Sunday associate editor Chris Anderson, which included details of voicemails obtained through hacking. Although these emails suggested potential phone hacking, Dacre contended that they merely indicated Miskiw’s desperation to secure work from the paper.
Dacre explained that while he was aware of the use of inquiry agents—another term for private investigators—he believed the actions taken by his journalists were minor infractions. In 2007, he issued a ban on the use of such agents, stating, “All my energy, all my willpower was going into educating my journalists that the Data Protection Act needed to be taken seriously.”
Highlighting Ongoing Issues
Despite Dacre’s assertions, the trial revealed ongoing concerns regarding adherence to this ban. Sherborne raised instances of journalists continuing to engage private investigators for information, including a case involving royal correspondent Rebecca English, who reportedly obtained details about Prince Harry’s then-girlfriend, Chelsy Davy. Dacre claimed he was unaware of these practices, insisting that paying for stories from freelance journalists is a common practice across the industry, as long as it does not involve law enforcement.
This trial has also seen Mr Justice Nicklin, the presiding judge, criticising Sherborne for delving into issues beyond the scope of the current legal proceedings. The trial is set to conclude in March, with a written judgement anticipated thereafter.
Why it Matters
The outcome of this trial holds significant implications not only for the individuals involved but also for the broader landscape of press ethics and privacy rights in the UK. As public trust in news organisations continues to wane, the resolution of these allegations will likely influence future regulations and standards governing journalistic practices. It raises essential questions about the balance between the public’s right to know and the individuals’ right to privacy, a dilemma that resonates far beyond the courtroom.
