Home / Crime and Justice / Investigator Branded 'Fantasist' in Royal Hacking Case
Investigator Branded 'Fantasist' in Royal Hacking Case
29 Jan
Summary
- A private investigator is called a 'fantasist' in royal hacking claims.
- She allegedly obtained information for the Daily Mail by blagging.
- The investigator claims she was offered money and a book deal.
A private investigator, Christine Hart, has been described as a "fantasist" obsessed with Hugh Grant within legal proceedings involving Prince Harry and other high-profile figures. These individuals are pursuing claims against Associated Newspapers, alleging that around 50 stories were sourced through phone hacking and blagging.
Lady Lawrence stated that Ms. Hart specialized in targeting victims of crime to extract confidential information. Ms. Hart herself admitted to obtaining Lady Lawrence's information for the publisher and blagging her. Associated Newspapers denies the claims, asserting Ms. Hart was enticed with payments and a book deal.
The High Court heard that Ms. Hart was approached in February 2016 by a convicted phone hacker. She allegedly received £4,000 for her notes and was offered an additional £16,000, along with accommodations and expenses, by a researcher for Prince Harry and fellow claimants.
During court proceedings, Ms. Hart's communications were presented, including an email to a Daily Mail executive detailing her concerns after being approached by Mr. Johnson. She sought advice, feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the motivations behind the approach.
Associated Newspapers also presented evidence suggesting Ms. Hart believed individuals were attempting to initiate civil suits against them. Ms. Hart has made conflicting statements, admitting to blagging Lady Lawrence but also denying illegal activities for the newspapers. Associated Newspapers, a subsidiary of DMGT, is currently undergoing a proposed acquisition of The Telegraph, which is anticipated to face regulatory scrutiny.
