Settlements Announced in Phone Hacking Case

(Posted on 20/01/12)

The settlement figures are beginning to roll in - at least, those wishing to divulge what they received from News International. Eighteen victims agreed to put their settlement figures into the official court dockets while another nineteen opted to keep it private. Here's what we know -

The total paid to these 18 named victims comes to more than £600,000. Allegations were that senior employees and directors at News Group Newspapers (the News International subsidiary that published the News of the World) were aware that their journalists illegally taking part in certain practices and that these individuals were looking to deliberately deceive investigators and destroyed evidence.

It's important to note that NGN has not admitted or denied any of these claims, even though it agreed compensation could be assessed on that basis. They've not commented publicly since the rulings on Thursday.

(These settlements do not include the court costs, which were awarded to each of the recipients.)
Actor Jude Law - £130,000
Journalist Tom Rowland - £25,000
MP Chris Bryant - £30,000
Designer Sadie Frost - £50,000
Rugby Player Gavin Henson - £40,000
MP Denis MacShane - £32,500
Assistant to Jude Law, Ben Jackson - £40,000
Sports Solicitor Graham Shear - £25,000
Denis MacShane former partner Joan Smith - £27,500
Ciara Parkes (PR to Jude Law) - £35,000
Guy Pelly (nightclub entrepreneur and friend of Prince Harry) - £40,000
Former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott - £40,000

It's not over yet, though. Neville Thurlbeck, a former editor and reporter for News International posted on his controversial blog after court:

Much more evidence against News International will come in the future.

I worked there from 1988 onwards and I am aware of executives who witnessed practices which would send the share price crashing through the floor.

I expect much of this to come out in industrial tribunals and High Court actions by former members of staff.

But it is the irrevocable loss of trust which could sink it.

Even with the monetary payouts, it's clear this chapter's not ended.