Sadie Frost Privacy Case: Journalist Denies Allegations of Medical Record ‘Blagging’

A former journalist with the Mail on Sunday has denied commissioning the unlawful obtaining of medical information regarding actress Sadie Frost’s ectopic pregnancy. Katie Nicholl faced accusations of misleading statements regarding the source of the information during a high-profile privacy trial involving Frost, Prince Harry, and several other public figures.

Background of the Case

Sadie Frost, along with Prince Harry and others, are alleging that Associated Newspapers Ltd (ANL), the publisher of the Mail on Sunday and the Daily Mail, engaged in unlawful information gathering practices – including “blagging,” hacking, and phone tapping – over a two-decade period. ANL vehemently denies these accusations, characterizing them as unfounded and exaggerated.

The Allegations Against Katie Nicholl

Katie Nicholl, a former diary editor and royal editor at the Mail on Sunday, was questioned about a draft article prepared in October 2003 concerning Frost’s pregnancy. Frost testified that she had confided in only the father of her child and potentially one close friend about the ectopic pregnancy and subsequent termination, emphasizing the deeply personal nature of the information.

David Sherborne, representing Frost, highlighted a note in Nicholl’s notebook referencing “Susie” and details of Frost’s medical treatment, including a reference to a “pill” used to terminate the pregnancy. Sherborne argued this indicated how the information was obtained through illicit means.

Nicholl’s Testimony

Nicholl stated that the information regarding Frost’s pregnancy came from a freelance journalist, Sharon Feinstein, who had a “remarkably, very good source in [Frost’s] inner circle.” She maintained she never intercepted voicemails or used private investigators to obtain medical information, stating she had never “blagged” medical information as a matter of principle. Nicholl refuted claims that she had lied in her witness statement.

She explained that she believed the reference to “Susie” in her notebook was actually a misspelling of “Sadie.”

The Practice of ‘Blagging’

The court heard that “blagging” involves impersonating another individual to obtain private information. Nicholl specifically denied using Susie Mallis of Express Locate International, an inquiry agency, to intercept Frost’s voicemail messages or obtain medical records.

Nicholl’s Wider Role and Connections

Nicholl’s name appears on numerous stories that Frost and Prince Harry have raised concerns about. She described having “excellent connections with aristocrats and socialites” who were connected to the royal family, including Tara Palmer-Tomkinson and Lady Elizabeth Anson. She similarly recounted meeting Prince Harry at a party in 2003 and maintaining contact with him and his social circle.

Nicholl also referenced a previous interaction with actor Hugh Grant regarding allegations of phone hacking at the Mail on Sunday, stating she had assured him she had never hacked his phone or anyone else’s.

Ongoing Trial and Claims of Concealment

The trial continues, with Frost also facing accusations of being involved in a scheme to conceal her awareness of a potential claim against Associated Newspapers before the legal time limit expired. No article regarding Frost’s pregnancy was ultimately published.

Prince Harry is also a claimant in the case, alleging privacy breaches related to seven articles written by Nicholl.