Michael Le Vell, a 58-year-old actor known for his role as Kevin Webster in a popular soap opera, is taking legal action against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) for alleged unlawful information gathering over a period of 20 years. Le Vell claims that journalists from MGN titles were involved in phone hacking, deceptive practices to obtain information, and hiring private investigators for illegal activities. MGN denies these claims, stating that there is no evidence of voicemail interception or unlawful information gathering related to Le Vell.
In his testimony at the High Court in London, Le Vell explained how he felt when an article about his arrest for sexual offenses, of which he was later cleared, was published. He expressed his distress and anger at the time, as he believed that the leaks to newspapers were damaging his reputation and prejudicing his defense. Le Vell also revealed that MGN’s journalists and photographers were gathering information and photographs about him during this difficult period in his life, which he finds appalling and a violation of his privacy. He criticized the defendant for capitalizing on his vulnerable state while ITV, the television network he worked for, provided him with excellent support.
Le Vell also discussed his role as the unofficial “cast rep” on Coronation Street, where he had access to personal information about his co-stars. He revealed that when articles about other cast members appeared in the press, he was wrongly accused and considered the “Corrie mole,” resulting in damaged relationships and a damaged reputation. He admitted that he became paranoid, suspecting his friends of leaking information to the press and even treating them with suspicion. Le Vell deeply regrets his actions and the impact they had on his friendships.
Le Vell emphasized his desire for justice to be served and his frustration with MGN’s refusal to engage reasonably with his claim. He believes that the defendant knows they have done wrong and should take responsibility for their actions. He expressed his annoyance at having to relive the past and participate in the litigation, as he is a private person and did not want to be involved. However, he wants MGN to acknowledge the significant impact their actions had on his life.
During cross-examination, Le Vell was questioned about his comparison of being a mole to being a sex offender in his witness statement. He clarified that he made this comparison before he was charged and that being a mole was considered one of the worst things one could do in the entertainment industry due to the importance of trust. He mentioned a specific incident where a colleague accused him of being a mole, which he found mortifying. He clarified that being a mole is not worse than being a sex offender.
Le Vell’s case involves 28 articles published by MGN titles between 1991 and 2011. The court also heard evidence from David Seymour, a former political editor of the Mirror, who regarded MGN’s former editor Piers Morgan as unreliable and inclined to tell untruths. Seymour also witnessed Morgan’s involvement in a phone hacking incident. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Fancourt, is set to continue with further evidence from Le Vell before concluding at the end of the month, with a verdict to be delivered at a later date.
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