Full Breakdown
Allegations of Unlawful Information Gathering by the Daily Mail
2/4/2026, 7:08:45 AM
Testimony of Private Investigator Daniel Portley-Hanks
In a high-profile case at the High Court, Daniel Portley-Hanks, a 79-year-old private investigator known as "Detective Danno," testified that he engaged in unlawful activities for the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, particularly concerning Prince Harry. Portley-Hanks stated that he performed "unlawful stuff" for the publications but could not recall specific details. His testimony is part of a lawsuit involving seven claimants, including Prince Harry, Elton John, and Doreen Lawrence, who accuse Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) of employing illegal information-gathering techniques over several decades.
Portley-Hanks revealed that he worked for ANL from the early 1990s until around 2013, earning approximately $1 million during that period. He described himself as "the database guy," capable of quickly obtaining personal details with just a name or phone number. He acknowledged that he believed his actions were lawful at the time but now recognizes them as illegal under UK law, including the gathering of personal data.
Allegations and Denials
Portley-Hanks alleged that ANL attempted to conceal its use of private investigators by instructing him to change his email address to appear as a Hollywood reporter. He also claimed involvement in a payment to a police officer for documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, a statement that ANL denies. The publisher has characterized the allegations as "lurid" and "preposterous," asserting that all articles were obtained through lawful means.
In court, ANL's legal team presented emails indicating that a Mail editor sought confirmation of Portley-Hanks's lawful conduct. However, Portley-Hanks countered that he was pressured to agree to statements that were not true. ANL maintains that the claims against them lack supporting evidence and that some journalists named in the case were unaware of Portley-Hanks until the trial.
Criticism and Opposition
The case has drawn significant public interest and criticism, particularly regarding the ethical implications of the practices described. Critics argue that the allegations highlight a broader issue of media accountability and the potential for abuse in information gathering. The claimants, including high-profile figures, assert that their privacy was violated, raising questions about the extent of unlawful practices within the media industry.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the extent of Portley-Hanks's involvement and the specific activities he undertook for the Daily Mail. While he acknowledges performing unlawful acts related to the claimants, he cannot recall precise details. Additionally, there is uncertainty surrounding the testimony of another private investigator, Gavin Burrows, who has expressed willingness to testify only from a secret location, leading to concerns about the transparency of the proceedings.
What's Next
The trial continues as the court examines the evidence and testimonies presented. The outcome may have significant implications for media practices in the UK, particularly concerning privacy rights and the legality of information-gathering methods used by journalists. The case underscores ongoing debates about the balance between press freedom and individual privacy rights in the digital age.
