News of the World private detective vows to expose tabloid stalker culture

[alp227]

Source: The Observer

A private detective employed by News International to put hundreds of people under surveillance has said he was commissioned by as many as 30 journalists working on the News of the World.

Derek Webb, who was paid to follow a string of people – including Princes William and Harry, Angelina Jolie and Tom Watson, the MP spearheading parliament's investigations into phone hacking – has said he will act as a witness if any of them opt to take legal action against News International.

While surveillance is not illegal, Webb's pledge suggests that News International could find itself facing legal action from people who claim their privacy has been invaded – in addition to the scores of claims brought against it by victims of phone hacking. Webb's claims, which suggest there was a culture of surveillance that permeated the News of the World newsroom, are contained in a dossier detailing the work the former undercover police officer carried out for News International from 2003.

The dossier, containing the names of around 150 celebrities and scores of non-famous targets, will be submitted to the Leveson inquiry investigating journalistic practices later this week. They will also include details of one surveillance operation that Webb undertook on behalf of the Sun.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/nov/19/news-ofthe-world-phone-hacking

[Kingofalldems]

1. This should be interesting

[pacalo]

2. I'm sure when Angelina Jolie enters the U.S., Murdoch's privacy hackers keep their distance.

:eyes: