Joanna Lumley, Ian Hislop, Caprice Bourret, Bill Wyman, Peter Mandelson, John Cleese, Prince Charles' personal assistant, Tiggy Legge-Bourke, Jeremy Paxman, James Naughtie, Kate Adie, Peter Sissons and even former News of the World editor Phil Hall are identified today by the Guardian as among those whose personal lives were invaded by private investigators working for newspapers, magazines and broadcasters.
More than 17,500 requests from more than 400 journalists were made to access databases - such as British Telecom and the DSS - even though such access is a "criminal offence unless there is a clear public interest to justify it." The report adds: "They [PIs] also conned hotels, banks, prisons, trade unions and the post office into handing over sensitive information." No attempt has been made to prosecute news organisations. Just how useless is the law?
These detailed records belong to Hampshire private investigator, Steve Whittamore. For the full story click here. Nick Davies' extensive report - with names named - click here.
6 comments:
John Cleese?! What the hell is supposed to be fascinating in that man's private life? I was rather expecting... ahem, well, another actor. ;-)
The actor you may have in mind could very well be on that list - I haven't seen the full list myself. Also, this is a list from just one PI. I know for a fact that other PIs have been and are still used by the media. It's all a bit more under-underground now - and will be exposed.
I've seen no media follow up to this story. Yet another media shut up in their own interests.
<< The actor you may have in mind could very well be on that list - I haven't seen the full list myself. >>
And where can the full list be seen? Anyway, it wouldn't tell us what's thrilling about John Cleese's life. The color of his underwear, maybe?
Cleese's life is not so dull, what with his multi-million pound divorce, and other tales. I think the other actor you have in mind can't really compete, at least not for mainstream attention.
<< I think the other actor you have in mind can't really compete, at least not for mainstream attention. >>
Good for him.
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