Campbell v Mirror Group Newspapers [2002] EWHC 499 (QB) (27th March, 2002)

Campbell v Mirror Group Newspapers [2002] EWHC 499 (QB) (27th March, 2002)

The publication of details of the claimant's attendance at Narcotics Anonymous meetings and related photographs constituted a breach of confidence and a contravention of the Data Protection Act 1998. The information was private, confidential, and sensitive personal data relating to her health. There was no overriding public interest justifying publication of these details, and the defendant could not rely on the journalistic exemption post-publication. The claimant is entitled to damages and/or compensation.

Citation
[2002] EWHC 499
Parties
Claimant: Naomi Campbell; Defendant: Mirror Group Newspapers
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Procedural Posture
Civil Claim for Breach of Confidence and Compensation Under Data Protection Act 1998 / Judgment After Trial
Outcome
Judgment for the claimant
Legal Topics
Breach of Confidence, Sensitive Personal Data, Article 8 ECHR (right to Privacy), Article 10 ECHR (freedom of Expression), Section 13 Data Protection Act 1998, Public Interest Defence, Press Complaints Code
Media Law Privacy Law Data Protection Human Rights Breach of Confidence Sensitive Personal Data Article 8 ECHR (right to Privacy) Article 10 ECHR (freedom of Expression) +3 more

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 5 Authorities cited 12 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 1
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Naomi Campbell

Claimant

Mirror Group Newspapers

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil Claim for Breach of Confidence and Compensation Under Data Protection Act 1998 / Judgment After Trial

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether publication of details of claimant's attendance at Narcotics Anonymous meetings constituted a breach of confidence
  2. 2 Whether publication contravened the Data Protection Act 1998
  3. 3 Whether the defendant could rely on public interest or journalistic exemption under the Act

Ratio Decidendi

The publication of details of the claimant's attendance at Narcotics Anonymous meetings and related photographs constituted a breach of confidence and a contravention of the Data Protection Act 1998. The information was private, confidential, and sensitive personal data relating to her health. There was no overriding public interest justifying publication of these details, and the defendant could not rely on the journalistic exemption post-publication. The claimant is entitled to damages and/or compensation.

Court Disposition

Judgment for the claimant

Orders

  • Defendant to pay damages and/or compensation to the claimant for breach of confidence and contravention of the Data Protection Act 1998