Sara Cox wins landmark case against paper
Radio 1 star Sara Cox has won a landmark privacy case against a national newspaper after it published naked photographs of her on honeymoon, it was confirmed today.
The DJ sued the People after it published the pictures of her and her husband Jon Carter while holidaying in the Seychelles in 2001.
The case, settled in the High Court yesterday, came despite the People providing an official apology at the time following a complaint to the Press Complaints Commission.
The newspaper was sued under article 8 of the Human Rights Act, which works to protect an individual’s right to a private life.
A spokesman for MGN Ltd, which publishes the People, said: “The People has now resolved the litigation with Sara Cox and Jon Carter.
“A week after the pictures were published the People apologised and recognised that the pictures had upset them.
“We are happy that the case has now been resolved.”
The newspaper, under then editor Neil Wallis, published naked photos of the DJ couple in October 2001 while they honeymooned on a private island in the Seychelles.
The case first went to the PCC and an apology was printed in the next week’s issue of the People.
Some observers today said the case could have repercussions for the role of the PCC as Cox is understood to be the first person to have won an apology through the body and then gone on to sue.
However it is believed that although the PCC helped in the wording of the apology the issue was never adjudicated on.
The Guardian today said Cox could expect to receive about £50,000 (€70,500) in damages.
It said the case was brought against the People and photographic agent Jason Fraser, and they, along with two photo agencies Mr Fraser is associated with, now face legal costs of more than £200,000 (€282,000).
Cox told the newspaper: “They have ruined all memories of my honeymoon for the rest of my life.”
