Key Witness Retracts Alleged Confession in High-Profile Media Case
A private investigator central to Prince Harry's legal battle against the Daily Mail's publisher has told the High Court that his signature on a previous witness statement was forged. Gavin Burrows, who features prominently in allegations made by seven high-profile individuals including Elton John and Doreen Lawrence, has completely retracted his alleged confession, describing it as "completely false".
The Disputed Evidence and Serious Allegations
According to Associated Newspapers Limited's lawyers, Burrows initially appeared to confess in a 2021 statement to conducting extensive unlawful information gathering activities. The alleged statement claimed he and his team had engaged in voicemail hacking, landline phone tapping, and car bugging while working on behalf of the Mail on Sunday.
However, in a fresh 30-page witness statement made on 25 September 2025 and released by the High Court, Burrows firmly denied these claims. He stated he "does not recognise" the purported 16 August 2021 statement and believes the signature is "not mine". Burrows emphasised that much of the content was inaccurate and "not written in my type of language".
Context and Legal Maneuvering
Burrows revealed he was in a vulnerable state when approached about the case, having recently suffered a serious physical assault that left him on heavy painkillers and drinking heavily. He was contacted by Graham Johnson, a former journalist convicted of phone hacking, who was researching claims against newspapers.
The investigator said he was introduced to a colleague described as a "paralegal" and was paid £600 per session for advice. Burrows claimed he was told that cases against newspapers often settled out of court to avoid publicity and costs, describing the process as a "perfect scam" and "gravy train".
He maintained that he had stopped working for newspapers in 2003 and had repeatedly told Johnson that Associated Newspapers were not among his clients. The only work he acknowledged involved Sir Richard Branson, which he insisted did not involve illegal activity.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The case has seen significant legal maneuvering, with Antony White KC for ANL seeking permission to cross-examine Burrows, while David Sherborne for the claimant group applied to call his evidence as hearsay. Mr Justice Nicklin has given Sherborne seven days to decide whether to apply for a witness summons to compel Burrows to testify.
Five claimants have stated they embarked on legal action against ANL based on evidence apparently obtained from Burrows. The judge noted that if Burrows gives evidence inconsistent with previous statements, applications could be made to treat him as "hostile".
A further pre-trial hearing is expected before the end of the year as this high-stakes legal battle between prominent figures and one of Britain's major newspaper publishers continues to develop.
