Daily Mail parent company invokes Human Rights Act to stop naming of journalists

Prince Harry and a group of other prominent individuals are bringing cases alleging widespread illegal behaviour by reporters at Associated Newspapers. In their claims they name 73 journalists and editorial executives who have worked at the Daily Mail and its sister titles over several decades.

The judge, Mr Justice Nicklin, agreed and temporarily blocked identification of the Mail journalists pending his interim judgment, partly because the individuals have not had the opportunity to offer up a defence.

Prince Harry flew in especially for the pre-trial hearing, taking notes at the back of the courtroom as lawyers argued over the intricacies of the case. He sat one seat down from Sadie Frost, who is also part of the legal case, along with the likes of Doreen Lawrence and Elton John.

Sherborne, acting for the prominent individuals, told the court that they collectively allege the Mail engaged in a wide range of illegal activity.

And secondly, that the allegations rely on material provided by Associated Newspapers to the Leveson inquiry into press ethics, which the company therefore believes should be restricted from use in this legal case.