Prince Harry’s legal representatives have issued a summons to private investigator Gavin Burrows, compelling him to provide testimony in the Duke of Sussex’s lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Limited.
The summons arrives despite Mr Burrows’s assertion that his earlier testimony was fabricated and his signature falsified.
A pre-trial hearing on Wednesday revealed that Mr Burrows received the summons via postal and electronic delivery.
He must appear as a witness for Prince Harry and six additional claimants when proceedings commence in January.
The detective’s earlier statements proved crucial in persuading Baroness Doreen Lawrence to participate in the legal action, which centres on accusations of phone interception, surveillance devices and other illegal methods of obtaining information.
The court was informed of serious allegations against Mr Burrows involving Graham Johnson, a researcher working for Prince Harry’s legal team who earns £160 per hour.
Mr Johnson previously worked as a tabloid journalist and has a conviction for phone hacking.
In March 2022, Mr Burrows allegedly contacted Mr Johnson twice with threatening phone calls regarding a payment dispute.
Prince Harry’s lawyers summon investigator accused of assault to appear in court
|
GETTY
The detective subsequently arrived at Mr Johnson’s residence whilst intoxicated, according to testimony presented to the court.
During this confrontation, Mr Burrows allegedly issued verbal threats and physically shoved Mr Johnson in the street.
Mr Johnson’s partner and children were present inside their home during the alleged incident. Following the alleged assault, Mr Johnson contacted police authorities.
Should Mr Burrows fail to attend the trial, he risks facing contempt of court proceedings.
LATEST ROYAL DEVELOPMENTS
The detective’s signed testimony had previously detailed allegations that the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday commissioned him to hack phones and install surveillance equipment in celebrities’ vehicles.
However, Mr Burrows subsequently disavowed these claims entirely, maintaining that his witness statement contained no truth and that someone had forged his signature on the document.
David Sherborne, representing Prince Harry and fellow claimants including Sir Elton John, sought to protect the identity of a witness known only as “Berlin” during Wednesday’s hearing.
Mr Sherborne argued that this individual possesses vital testimony supporting allegations that Mr Burrows engaged in illegal information gathering for Associated.
The barrister described the witness’s evidence as “highly incriminating” regarding “covert and highly illegal” activities.
Berlin requested anonymity, reportedly fearing potential retaliation from Mr Burrows should their identity become public.
Mr Justice Nicklin rejected the anonymity request, determining that concerns about “adverse consequences” for Berlin were insufficient to override open justice principles.
The judge noted that Mr Burrows would likely recognise Berlin from their testimony regardless. The anonymity order remains temporarily in effect whilst an appeal is considered.
Documents disclosed on Wednesday contain Prince Harry’s allegations that journalists paid for details about his international travel and pursued information about his romantic partners.