Latest News

Gascoigne hits out after years of Mirror phone hacking

|
Image for Gascoigne hits out after years of Mirror phone hacking

Paul GascoignePaul Gascoigne has told a court about the devastating effect Mirror Group phone hacking caused him after the shamed newspaper group finally admitted that 18 articles on the troubled star were the result of phone hacking.

Four years ago the Mirror Group gleefully reported the forced closure of the News of the World by News International as the extent of their phone hacking came to light.

While the Mirror pointed the finger at their tabloid rival they denied any similar activities by their own operations while matching the News of the World scoop for scoop.

Gascoigne’s fall into alcoholism and violence was reported in intense detail by Mirror titles with the fallen former England star delighted to finally face up to his tormentors in court.

Convinced that his phone calls were being monitored Gascoigne spend admitted to changing his phone five times a month and spending £80,000 on counter-surveillance equipment.

“It was just horrendous, and people can’t understand why I became an alcoholic,” the former footballer told the court as he put the practices of the Mirror Group under fire.

“At the time I was going through a bad time because I knew I was getting hacked. I knew 110%. No one believed it.

“I was speaking to him [his therapist] and it clicked again. He told me I’m paranoid, I’m going through a mental disorder.

“I said: ‘There’s f**k-all wrong with me.’ I know I’m getting hacked. I know and he put the phone down on us. I never told a lie. I’ve got nothing to lie about. Nothing. Disgusting crap.”

Gascoigne added: “I’ve waited 15 years to be sat here. I’m disgusted really. Fifteen years.”

Despite being involved in the culture of phone hacking, recently described as being on an industrial scale, several Mirror staff have been promoted into senior positions within the company.

The Daily Record and Sunday Mail, despite being part of the same newspaper group haven’t been included in the phone hacking charges.

Share this article

Online and independent- the only way to be. Enjoying instant news access and reaction, following the trends if not an influencer!