Former Mail on Sunday Journalist Denies Being Private Investigator Handler in High Court
Paul Henderson, the former investigations editor and brief news editor at the Mail on Sunday, has vehemently denied allegations that he served as a handler for corrupt private investigators during a high court hearing. Henderson described the claims as an absolute lie, stating it was surreal to be accused of having a close relationship with Gavin Burrows, a private investigator whose disputed confessions are central to a legal action against Associated Newspapers Ltd (ANL).
Allegations and Denials in the Legal Battle
Prince Harry is among seven claimants suing ANL, the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, alleging that the company used private investigators to engage in unlawful information gathering practices, such as bugging homes and phone tapping. ANL has denied all allegations of wrongdoing. In court, Henderson faced accusations from the claimants' legal team that he acted as a conduit between corrupt private investigators and other ANL journalists, which he firmly rejected.
Henderson was repeatedly questioned about his relationship with Burrows, who has since disowned a witness statement in his name that admitted to illegal activities like bugging, phone tapping, and blagging bank and medical records. The disputed statement claims Henderson was Burrows' first proper contact on Fleet Street, with regular communication and a trusted working relationship. Henderson suggested Burrows might have been the Mallorca man, a contact he met in Mallorca regarding a potential story about Richard Branson, but he denied any further contact or collaboration.
Detailed Fabrications and Court Proceedings
David Sherborne, the leading barrister for the claimants, argued that the disputed Burrows testimony includes exceptionally detailed accounts of Henderson acting as a handler, such as introducing Burrows to other journalists and sending cash to a virtual mail drop in London for tapes. Henderson dismissed these claims as nonsense and fabricated, emphasizing that he never engaged in such activities and urging the claimants to know the truth.
When asked why he might be targeted by such fabrications, Henderson speculated that those behind the disputed confession may have woven together details based on their possible meeting in Mallorca. He labeled the allegations as extreme and grotesque, noting that Burrows has categorically refuted all claims. The judge, Mr Justice Nicklin, has yet to rule on how to treat the disputed Burrows claims, which are crucial to the cases of claimants including Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley.
Henderson also denied commissioning other private investigators, such as Glenn Mulcaire, Steve Whittamore, and Jonathan Rees, who have previous convictions. The case continues as the high court examines the broader allegations against Associated Newspapers Ltd.
