Photographers' pursuit makes Sienna's life 'intolerable'

SIENNA Miller's life has been made "intolerable" because of a "campaign of harassment" by photographers, the High Court heard today.

The actress has suffered "substantial alarm, fear and enormous distress" because of their conduct, Mr Justice Eady, sitting in London, was told.

Details of the alleged campaign emerged today during a preliminary hearing of legal proceedings launched by 26-year-old Miller, claiming harassment and invasion of privacy.

Her case is against photographic agency Big Pictures and its founder, Darryn Lyons, who will contest the action when it comes to trial early next year.

Miller's counsel, David Sherborne, said she was the victim of a "relentless pursuit" and asked the judge to make an order for a "speedy trial". The judge said it should be heard on the first available date after 12 January.

The actress, who has appeared in several films including Alfie and Layer Cake, was not at today's hearing. Mr Sherborne said she was complaining about a "course of conduct, a campaign of harassment", which began at the end of June and had continued "despite requests to desist".

Miller became a major paparazzi target after her engagement to the actor Jude Law on Christmas Day 2004.

The couple split a year later after he admitted an infidelity with his childrens' nanny, but Miller's relationships with actors Rhys Ifans, Daniel Craig and Balthazar Getty, who is married, have increased her profile.