Phone hacking: Trinity Mirror apologises to victims

The Daily Mirror today issued a public apology to victims of phone hacking and admitted that civil claims will cost the newspaper company millions more than first thought.

The owner of the group’s titles printed its first ever open apology in today’s edition, admitting that voicemails which had been left on “certain people’s phones were unlawfully accessed”.

Trinity Mirror said information obtained by the practice had been used in stories in its national papers and such behaviour represented “an unwarranted and unacceptable intrusion into people’s private lives”.

The company also said the cost of resolving phone hacking claims will be “higher than previously envisaged” and it was increasing the provision for claims by £8 million to £12 million.

It has refused to reveal the number of its hacking victims but the High Court has heard that at least 10 have settled claims for “substantial” damages.

Singer Cilla Black was among the latest group of celebrities to accept settlements last month.

Eight representative cases, none settled, are due to be heard at the High Court on March 2. Those concerned include Coronation Street star Shobna Gulati, ex-footballer Paul Gascoigne, TV executive Alan Yentob and actress Sadie Frost.