Judge Admits Evidence: Piers Morgan's Knowledge of Phone Hacking at The Mirror Recognized

A High Court judge ruled that Piers Morgan was aware of phone hacking at The Daily Mirror while serving as its editor from 1995 to 2004.

Despite Morgan's denials, the judgment revealed that illegal information gathering was routine at Mirror Group Newspapers from 1996, with hacking becoming habitual two years later.

Key testimony came from royal biographer Omid Scobie and former group political editor David Seymour, both indicating Morgan's knowledge and involvement in such activities.

Evidence included documentation linking journalist James Scott and phone hacking practices to a 2002 Kylie Minogue story. Additionally, an invoice from a private investigator to Scott and testimony about Morgan hinting at the hacking to a BT executive supported the judge's findings.

The court heard that Mirror Group concealed illegal activities from its board, shareholders, and the public. The publisher settled legal complaints, including one from Prince Michael of Kent regarding a false debt story resulting from illicit information gathering.

In conclusion, the judgment by Mr. Justice Fancourt established that top figures at the Daily Mirror, including editors and legal directors, failed to address or report suspected illegal activities and that these practices were hidden from key oversight bodies.