Taylor Hampton acted for Jacqui Hames, the former detective and Crimewatch host, in relation to the settlement of the phone hacking claim against News Group Newspapers Limited (“NGN”).
Jacqui Hames, represented by Anna Johnston of Taylor Hampton, today (5th February 2018) attended a hearing before Mr Justice Mann to hear her statement being read in open court.
Ms Hames issued proceedings for unlawful voicemail interception, breach of confidence, misuse of her private information and harassment by The News of the World and Glen Mulcaire. At the time, Jacqui Hames was an Acting Detective Sergeant of the Metropolitan Police, and a presenter of Crimewatch.
The statement details the great harm done to Jacqui Hames by NGN and its employees during 2002. At the time Ms Hames and her then husband, David Cook, were investigating the unsolved murder of Daniel Morgan from 1987, which is the reason they were of great interest to The News of the World.
During this period, Jacqui Hames was subjected to surveillance and harassment by News of the World journalists. In addition, NGN and it’s private investigator Glen Mulcaire carried out unlawful activities such as blagging and phone hacking of Ms Hames’ voicemail messages.
Counsel for NGN apologised for the damage and distress caused to Jacqui Hames by their harassment and obtaining of her confidential information.
NGN has today acknowledged that the information should never have been obtained or used in the manner it was, and that acknowledged that it is liable for the misuse of private information and breach of confidence.
Jacqui Hames is a member of Hacked Off and is calling for the government to implement the second stage of the Leveson Enquiry.