Ex-Daily Mail Editor Defends Reporters Vigorously at Hacking Trial

The legal battle involving Prince Harry and other high-profile claimants against Associated Newspapers is intensifying. Paul Dacre, former editor of the Daily Mail, has made scathing remarks about Graham Johnson, a legal researcher for Prince Harry’s team, labeling him as “one of the most amoral people” in his extensive journalism career. This statement was made during a recent court appearance where Dacre defended his journalists against accusations of unethical practices.

Details of the High-Profile Lawsuit

In this lawsuit, notable figures such as Prince Harry, Sir Elton John, and Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon are suing Associated Newspapers. The claims center on alleged unlawful information gathering, including hacking and landline tapping, occurring between 1993 and 2011. The publishing company, which is responsible for the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, has denied any wrongdoing.

Key Figures and Allegations

Graham Johnson received over £500,000 from Max Mosley, a former Formula 1 executive, to aid an investigation targeting Associated Newspapers, which aligns with the Hacked Off campaign advocating for tighter media regulations. Mosley, who died in 2021, was known for challenging press misconduct after a privacy case in 2008.

Johnson himself has a controversial history, being convicted in 2014 for hacking while at the Sunday Mirror. He now serves as a legal researcher in this ongoing case.

Paul Dacre’s Defense and Criticisms

Dacre, who served as editor from 1992 to 2018 and is now the editor-in-chief of DMG Media, expressed regret over Associated Newspapers threatening legal actions against Byline Investigates. He criticized Byline as a “small, obscure, amateur media site” that was funded by Mosley and used as a tool in litigation.

Comments on the Leveson Inquiry

During his testimony, Dacre also challenged the credibility of the Leveson inquiry, particularly criticizing its acceptance of allegations from journalist Nick Davies about Associated some journalists’ payments to police for information. He contended that the Daily Mail was not given a fair opportunity to respond to these claims.

• Celebrity claimants argue Dacre’s assertions in 2012 delayed their legal actions.
• Dacre maintains that information regarding Baroness Lawrence’s son was supplied by then Home Secretary Jack Straw.
• Discussions with Gordon Brown, former Prime Minister, regarding inquiries also featured prominently in his testimony.

Controversial Relationships and Practices

Dacre discussed the relationships he had with key figures at Associated Newspapers, including deceased executives, emphasizing that the practices of using inquiry agents like Steve Whittamore were consistent with industry norms at the time. Whittamore had been previously prosecuted for breaching data protection laws but said there was no evidence that Associated journalists directly commissioned illegal activities.

Dacre’s Courtroom Exchanges

Faced with intense questioning from barrister David Sherborne, Dacre maintained his composure, remarking on the reputation of both living and deceased editors. The courtroom exchanges highlighted the ongoing tensions surrounding the allegations of misconduct within the media.

As the trial progresses, the implications of these ethical disputes raise significant questions about the responsibilities of journalists and the boundaries of media practices in the UK.