Former Town chief executive Simon Clegg is amongst 16 celebrities and public figures who launched an action at the High Court earlier today which includes allegations that The Sun was involved in phone-hacking between 2000 and 2006 along with the now defunct News of the World.
At a preliminary hearing during long-running civil litigation, Clegg provided articles, around half of them published in The Sun, which he claims were sourced via phone-hacking. The articles came from a period prior to Clegg’s involvement at Town - 2009 to 2013 - while he was chief executive of the British Olympic Association.
The claimants - who also include Coronation Street and Eastenders actors - are seeking the disclosure of records by The Sun, similar to those previously produced by its owner News UK for the News of the World. A decision on whether the claims can move to trial will be made at a later hearing.
News UK has always denied that The Sun was involved in phone-hacking and a statement from a spokeswoman reads: "Following many years of investigation, there were no charges against The Sun or its employees for voicemail interception.
"Today, certain claimants seeking financial settlements arising from activities at the News of the World have made unsubstantiated claims against The Sun. If the Court permits such claims to proceed, The Sun will defend them vigorously.”