Paul Dacre Faces Allegations of Unlawful Practices in High Court

Paul Dacre, the former editor of the Daily Mail, is currently testifying in a high-profile trial involving allegations of unlawful information gathering by Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL). Seven claimants, including Prince Harry, Sir Elton John, and Baroness Doreen Lawrence, allege that ANL engaged in practices such as phone tapping, electronic surveillance, and obtaining confidential information unlawfully over a span of at least two decades. The trial, presided over by Mr. Justice Nicklin, is expected to conclude in March, with a written judgment to follow.

The Independent

During his testimony, Dacre expressed disbelief regarding the allegations, describing them as "grave and sometimes preposterous." He stated that it was "inconceivable" for anyone at the Daily Mail to have engaged in such activities, emphasizing the newspaper's long-standing campaign for justice in the Stephen Lawrence case, which he personally championed. Dacre characterized the claims made by Lawrence as "bewildering and bitterly wounding," particularly given the Daily Mail's efforts to support her in seeking justice for her son, who was murdered in 1993.

The Guardian

Dacre acknowledged the discovery of a box containing invoices amounting to £3 million for private investigators, which was found in the managing editor's office. However, he maintained that he was unaware of the specifics of these documents and insisted that any inquiries made by journalists were within legal bounds and in the public interest. He noted that the Daily Mail had ceased using inquiry agents in 2007 after becoming aware of potential legal issues.

The Guardian

The claimants' legal representative, David Sherborne, argued that there is "indisputable evidence" that ANL journalists and executives commissioned and approved the use of unlawfully obtained information. He suggested that Dacre's testimony was motivated by a desire to protect his legacy. In response, Dacre asserted that the allegations were unfounded and that the information used in the articles cited by the claimants was obtained legitimately.

The Guardian

ANL's barrister, Antony White KC, has denied all allegations, labeling them as unsupported by evidence. White stated that the information for the articles was derived from legitimate reporting sources.

Why Dacre's proudest Daily Mail campaign now faces unlawful snooping claims

Dacre expressed concern for the impact of these allegations on the Daily Mail's staff, describing the situation as "deeply upsetting" and "traumatic" for journalists who have faced scrutiny over their work. He highlighted the anguish experienced by dedicated journalists over the past three years due to the ongoing allegations.

The Independent

The trial is set to conclude in March, with a written judgment expected at a later date. The outcome may have significant implications for ANL and the broader media landscape, particularly regarding the ethical boundaries of journalistic practices.

The Independent

• “The grave and sometimes preposterous allegations made in these proceedings have astonished, appalled and – in the small hours of the night – reduced me to rage.” — Paul Dacre, Former Editor, Daily Mail

The Independent

• “ In his written evidence, he said that it was “inconceivable” that anyone at the Daily Mail would have carried out the alleged activities.” — Paul Dacre

The Independent

• “He said: “There is evidence, indisputable evidence, in the documents that Associated journalists and senior executives were commissioning and approving the acquisition and use of unlawfully obtained information, and they must have known that.” — David Sherborne, Barrister for Claimants

The Independent