Eight people who won a record £1.2m in damages after their phones were hacked by Mirror Group journalists are to receive some of the cash after the newspaper group lost its application for permission to appeal against the damages.
A judge ruled that each of the claimants are to receive an undisclosed amount but he granted a stay on the remainder of the payments for 21 days, to give Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) time to make an application in the court of appeal.
Earlier, Mr Justice Mann refused MGN permission to appeal his damages award, but the group’s lawyers indicated they would apply directly to the higher court.
Actor Sadie Frost received the largest sum of £260,250 with former England footballer Paul Gascoigne getting £188,250.
The judge also awarded £85,000 to TV executive Alan Yentob, £117,500 and £157,250 respectively to actresses Shobna Gulati and Lucy Taggart, and £155,000 to soap star Shane Richie.
TV producer Robert Ashworth, who was married to actress Tracy Shaw, received £201,250, and flight attendant Lauren Alcorn, who had a relationship with soccer star Rio Ferdinand, was awarded £72,500.
Lawyers for MGN had requested that it pay £50,000 or 50% of the damages awarded to each claimant, whichever was less, now, with the remainder paid into a bank account pending the resolution of an appeal.
David Sherborne, counsel for the eight claimants, argued that they should have their costs paid, even if an appeal is granted.
