High Court Trial of Former Mail on Sunday Editor Peter Wright

The ongoing trial at the High Court involves Peter Wright, the former editor-in-chief of the Mail on Sunday, who is facing allegations of unlawful information gathering by Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), the publisher of the Mail on Sunday and Daily Mail. High-profile claimants, including Prince Harry, Sir Elton John, and Baroness Doreen Lawrence, accuse ANL of employing illegal methods, such as using private investigators to obtain sensitive information. ANL has categorically denied these allegations, describing them as "lurid and preposterous."

The Guardian

During cross-examination, Wright refuted claims that he was aware of private investigator Gavin Burrows providing information to the Mail on Sunday. He characterized such assertions as "nonsense" and stated, “Some of this stuff is just incredible.” When questioned about his knowledge of the newspaper's operations, he admitted he did not know all the details of every phone call made by journalists but emphasized that he often inquired about story sources during news meetings.

The Independent

Wright's testimony also addressed his previous statements during the Leveson inquiry, where he was accused of misleading the investigation regarding the newspaper's relationship with private investigator Steve Whittamore. Wright maintained that he had not seen detailed records of Whittamore's activities at the time of the inquiry, claiming that he was relaying information from a managing editor. He stated, “I have only seen these [invoice] sheets... in the run-up to this trial,” suggesting a lack of direct knowledge about the invoices that detailed potentially illicit activities.

The GuardianThe Independent

The trial has revealed that Wright became increasingly concerned about the use of Whittamore by early 2004, leading to an internal order to restrict his access to Mail on Sunday journalists. He asserted that, to the best of his knowledge, the newspaper did not engage in or commission unlawful information gathering as alleged in the claims.

The Guardian

Critics of Wright's defense, including lead barrister David Sherborne, argue that his testimony has inconsistencies, particularly regarding the invoices that appeared to document illegal activities. Sherborne suggested that Wright “deliberately gave the inquiry a false impression” about the extent of Whittamore's work for the Mail on Sunday. The trial continues to explore these discrepancies, with the judge, Mr. Justice Nicklin, expressing concern over the fairness of the allegations being made in open court.

The Independent

The trial is expected to conclude in March, with a written judgment to follow. The outcome may have significant implications for ANL and the broader media landscape regarding the use of private investigators and the ethical standards of journalism.

The Guardian

• “No, that’s nonsense.” — Peter Wright, Former Editor-in-Chief, Mail on Sunday

The Independent

• “Some of this stuff is just incredible. No, you’re wrong.” — Peter Wright, Former Editor-in-Chief, Mail on Sunday

The Independent

• “I have only seen these [invoice] sheets, most of them, in the run-up to this trial.” — Peter Wright, Former Editor-in-Chief, Mail on Sunday

The Guardian

• “deliberately gave the inquiry a false impression” — David Sherborne, Lead Barrister for Claimants

The Guardian