Publisher to settle with seven victims

Seven public figures will receive compensation after their phone-hacking claims against the publisher of the News of the World were settled, News International said yesterday.

Former Lib Dem MP Mark Oaten, TV presenter Ulrika Jonsson, former army officer James Hewitt, 7/7 hero Paul Dadge, celebrities Abi Titmuss and Calum Best, and Michelle Milburn, who is reportedly a theatrical agent, will all receive settlements from News Group Newspapers (NGN), the News International subsidiary which published the News of the World until the tabloid’s demise in July.

Former England footballer Paul Gascoigne’s case that he was a victim of phone hacking also looked close to being resolved.

A lawyer said Gascoigne’s case “is settling” during a brief hearing at the High Court today.

The announcement was made by counsel Jeremy Reed, who represents various claimants in the News of the World phone-hacking claims.

Outside court, lawyers declined to give further details on Gascoigne’s action, which was one of the “lead” cases for a trial which is being held early next year.