Hamlins LLP recently represented a number of Claimants at an important hearing in the ongoing voicemail interception litigation against News Group Newspapers Limited (‘NGN’), publishers of The Sun and the now defunct News of the World. This has resulted in a number of highly positive developments for the Claimants in the current group of litigation as well as for future claims.
Some of the key decisions are as follows: –
- In light of emerging evidence and claims that unlawful information gathering could have been taking place before 1998, Mr Justice Mann has ordered the disclosure of various documents prior to this date. This is likely to be hugely beneficial for Claimants who were targets of the media between 1995 and 1998 given that evidence by way of phone call data and emails are very limited. As such, this ruling could provide a new source for Claimants to build their case from.
- NGN has been ordered to carry out searches for documents in relation to a further 28 potential Private Investigators. This is likely to lead to further evidence that the Claimants may be able to rely on.
- NGN has been ordered to provide extensive disclosure in respect of a number of key The Sun journalists.
- The Cut-Off Date for claims in this tranche of the litigation has been extended to 29 May 2020. The extended Cut-Off Date will allow Claimants more time to explore their claims and any potential settlement proposals.
- Following the Cut-Off Date, there will be a further hearing to agree on how the eligibility for the October Trial will be determined.
Hamlins LLP continues to act for a large number of individuals against both NGN and MGN Limited of the Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror and The People. If you believe you have been affected by phone-hacking or that you have been a target of unlawful information gathering techniques, our lawyers at Hamlins LLP are happy to explore your potential claims.
Click here to find out how our Media Disputes team can assist you.
