Lawyer: NI tried to destroy my life

Solicitor Mark Lewis has told the Leveson Inquiry that News International 'tried to destroy his life'
12 April 2012

News International tried to destroy the life of the lawyer acting for phone-hacking victims, he told the press standards inquiry.

Mark Lewis, whose clients include the family of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler, told the Leveson Inquiry that the company commissioned surveillance on him and his family.

The inquiry also heard an internal dossier about him was compiled by News International, which published the now-defunct News of the World.

"News International sought to destroy my life, and very nearly succeeded," he said.

Mr Lewis said he was shown a video of his ex-wife and teenage daughter by detectives at a police station in Putney, west London, on November 4, 2011.

"That was truly horrific, that my daughter was videoed, was followed by a detective with a camera - I mean, just followed. That shouldn't happen to anybody's child."

The inquiry heard a report into his private life was also commissioned by Julian Pike, a partner with law firm Farrer and Co, on the instruction of News International lawyer Tom Crone.

David Barr, counsel to the inquiry, said to Mr Lewis: "It would appear that what we have is a document suggesting that personal details which have been dug up are to be used against you and your fellow solicitors."

After Mr Lewis's evidence Rhodri Davies QC, counsel for News International, said: "Physical and video surveillance was commissioned by the News of the World and News International apologises to Mr Lewis and his family for that."

He said they were not aware of any evidence Mr Lewis's phone had been hacked.

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in