Allegations have surfaced in a London court that a private investigator engaged in illegal activities concerning Prince Harry on behalf of British newspapers. This revelation is part of a broader lawsuit involving several high-profile claimants accusing the publisher, Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), of privacy violations.

Investigator's Testimony

Dan Portley-Hanks, a former private investigator who once found himself behind bars, has testified that he participated in unlawful practices related to the Duke of Sussex while working for the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday. Though he confessed to these acts, he couldn’t recall the specific details.

Prince Harry and Other Claimants

Prince Harry is among seven celebrities accusing ANL of serious privacy breaches over two decades. Others include Sir Elton John and Baroness Doreen Lawrence, who claim they were also targets of illegal information gathering.

Portley-Hanks' Career Path

Portley-Hanks, who started his career as a private investigator after being released from prison in 1979, became a key data supplier to British tabloids in the mid-1990s. His business flourished as he received numerous requests from journalists, particularly from Mail on Sunday reporters.

Specific Allegations

Portley-Hanks disclosed that his tasks included obtaining phone records and personal details of various celebrities. His work allegedly involved high-profile figures like Lewis Hamilton, Nicole Scherzinger, Jennifer Lopez, and others. The information he provided corresponded with articles published shortly thereafter.

Involvement in Other Scandals

The investigator also admitted to being part of a scheme where he was asked to transfer funds to obtain confidential police files about Jeffrey Epstein. He traced one of Epstein's victims, known as "Virginia," as part of this effort.

Defendant's Denial

Antony White KC, representing ANL, refuted the claims of unlawful surveillance and questioned the lack of evidence supporting Portley-Hanks' confessions. He argued that the claimant's disclosures seemed to be a result of financial motivations and intimidation, not factual accuracies.

Upcoming Verdict

The trial, expected to conclude in March, will culminate in a written judgment on the allegations against ANL, potentially setting a precedent for privacy claims against media outlets.

This case underscores the ongoing tensions between privacy rights and the press, raising questions about the ethical boundaries in journalism.

Source:bbc uk