The trials and tribulations of Harry - thread 2

[TrashyPanda]

Continuation of

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/the_royal_family/4812092-ph-lost-bid-to-challenge-for-right-to-pay-home-office-for-his-security?page=10&reply=126688485

Thanks, @clyspa
The main point they seem to be making is that Harry's lawyers have told him what his evidence is, which weakens his case considerably.

It isn't a case of Harry saying 'I realised that stories X, Y and Z were gained by hacking and the publication of these stories was upsetting to me.'

Rather, Harry seems to have gone to his lawyers and said something like: 'I hate the media and the stories they have published about me. What is the best way to get them back? William won a case for hacking, should we try that?'

And so the lawyers have researched stories about Harry written by journalists implicated in previous hacking inquiries/trials and come up with a (rather unconvincing) list.

And Harry isn't particularly familiar with the details of many of these stories - because it's just a list the lawyers have put together. He's even acknowledged as much in his evidence.

Mark Stephens on Newscast last night made the point that Harry only has to convince the Judge that the balance of probability is that he was hacked in one of his examples to win the case. NGN has to defend every example convincingly.

I think that Harry may actually win this if that is the case but it was also said that he probably won't be awarded much compensation. So whether or not he is doing a good job in the witness box the fact that hacking was happening to others is a big hurdle for the paper to overcome.

Probably should caveat that with he doesn't appear to have relevant experience. (He might do but his bio doesn't seem to suggest he has experience in media law).

On the balance of probability I think Harry will succeed & tbh no great fan but the practice was abhorrent & they need their knuckles rapped.

Cmon you must know that’s not how law works, it’s not to punish someone for wider sins, they need to prove on the balance of probabilities the articles specified the info was gained by hacking, it’s not well you are all shits so we will punish you anyway.

I think the lawyer he was speaking to is a media lawyer? Interesting discussion about giving evidence.

Yes, and because PW settled, it seems they did have his. Obtaining the number from a source would be one way they did it, as could be employing PIs (in the hope they could say "but I never did). See accounts from whistleblowers.

It's a shame Harry did not remain joined with William in his settlement, as they seems to have had evidence (that is not yet strongly apparent in Harry's claim) enough to lead to offer of settlement. Which (it appears) would have been to both brothers as both were victims of the demonstrable hacking of one.

I do not think Harry has yest shown examples in which it is probable that phone hacking was the source. Which is a shame, because it is so likely he was hacked.

But using responses that are akin to a victim statement on repeat doesn't seem likely to build his case. But perhaps that will change today, despite the unfortunate start.

From what I’ve read and watched Harry chance of some success is blagging and I think he may have a small moral victory but a financial loss. It’s why they argued more than hacking

I think Harry's phone probably was hacked purely because the press seemed to be trying to hack every celeb's phone but based on yesterday's proceedings I'm not convinced that MGN were guilty of it. Sounds (to me) more like other organisations did it and published the stories and then MGN just copied the stories or that people around Harry did actually leak to the press. William's settlement was with NGN (why so many bloody similar names) so possibly some of the stuff Harry is describing came from that.

Did MGN try to settle with Harry?

Just thinking about the stories which the defence say had already been published in other papers - why isn't Harry going after the publications that broke these stories, surely he would have a stronger argument?

No idea but if they did and he loses (or damaged ordered are less than he was offered) they will raise it at the stage costs are dealt with.

That's actually more likely. But PH has a crusade against the press and a self-appointed mission to clean up public life so the press is what he's going for.

He is too unfocussed to get anywhere by himself. The other claimants may help to carry his case through gritted teeth. It is not like his own case never had prospects but his unlimited pot of money and the publicity are the reasons why he is an attractive client.

I do wonder if he’s bitter about having lost Chelsey as a result of media intrusion and that is what is at the the bottom of much of this.

I wonder also whether suing MGN is a target because of Piers Morgan. Harry is very protective of Meghan and makes clear in his statement that he despises PM, so I wouldn't be surprised if he thinks he is going to get PM sent to prison or something.

I think so. They really glowed as a young couple. I hope he doesn't over-egg it as it won't bode well for his marriage to someone who constantly needs to be told by him that they are the most awesome person on the planet.

It's a shame Harry did not remain joined with William in his settlement, as they seems to have had evidence (that is not yet strongly apparent in Harry's claim) enough to lead to offer of settlement

The same had occurred to me, though why he didn't do this is something we'll never know

On a practical note, I realise each claimant is separate, but how and when will the final judgement be handed down? Do they wait until the the full 7 weeks and then say who's won or lost, or is it decided as each claimant's case ends?

Won’t the court decision take several weeks?

it’s not like a criminal trial, with an immediate verdict.

This is a good background to the case, the risks etc

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/jun/05/prince-harry-phone-hacking-trial-whats-at-stake

Link to The Guardians live reporting

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2023/jun/07/prince-harry-court-trial-mirror-group-phone-hacking-latest-updates-live

Who remembers East 17?

Brian Harvey was outside court today

The media circus outside the high court has attracted hangers on - including former East 17 singer Brian Harvey, who says he was a victim of phone hacking by tabloid newspapers
He loudly heckled as Prince Harry arrived at the Rolls Building in central London this morning

Cross examination has started

I don’t understand why Harry’s legal team have chosen articles where it seems to be easy to show that they were sourced other than by hacking. The one they are talking about now features quotes from Clarence House and even Harry himself?!

"Won't you stay another day?" rather than jetting off as soon as the engagement is up, Harry? 😆