Former Daily Mail Reporter Denies Paying Investigators in Stephen Lawrence Case

A former Daily Mail investigative journalist has strongly denied claims that he paid private investigators for information linked to the Stephen Lawrence murder inquiry, describing the allegations as “utter nonsense” during evidence at the High Court.

Stephen Wright was giving testimony in a privacy lawsuit brought by Baroness Doreen Lawrence against Associated Newspapers Limited, the publisher of the Daily Mail. The case centres on accusations that unlawful methods were used to gather information for articles about the 1993 racist murder of her son, Stephen Lawrence.

Baroness Lawrence alleges that journalists and investigators working for the newspaper engaged in phone tapping and other intrusive practices over many years. The publisher has firmly rejected the claims.

In court, Wright defended his record, saying he had campaigned tirelessly for justice for the Lawrence family and was proud of the newspaper’s role in highlighting the case. He told the court he had worked for decades to support efforts to bring those responsible for Stephen Lawrence’s death to justice.

Stephen Lawrence, aged 18, was fatally stabbed in a racist attack while waiting at a bus stop in Eltham, south east London. The subsequent police investigation was heavily criticised and led to a landmark public inquiry in 1999, which concluded that the Metropolitan Police was institutionally racist. Two men were eventually convicted of his murder in 2012, while other suspects have not been successfully prosecuted.

The Daily Mail ran a prominent front page in 1997 naming five prime suspects and calling for justice. The newspaper’s coverage was widely seen at the time as supportive of the Lawrence family’s campaign.

During cross-examination, barrister David Sherborne, representing Baroness Lawrence, questioned Wright about whether the newspaper’s reporting may have been influenced by perceptions about the family’s compensation. Wright rejected that suggestion and said he would never begrudge the family any financial settlement.

The court also examined claims involving private investigators. Gavin Burrows, who previously stated he had carried out unlawful information gathering for the newspaper, has since retracted that statement, saying his signature was forged. Wright said he had been living under the shadow of what he described as deeply damaging allegations and felt compelled to deny them clearly.

Further questions focused on records showing Wright commissioned information from Express Locate International, a private investigation firm. Wright said the requests related to legitimate searches, such as electoral roll and land registry checks, which he claimed were difficult to access internally at the time. Lawyers for Baroness Lawrence argued that such firms were known for obtaining sensitive data through unlawful means. The hearing is expected to continue throughout February as the court examines evidence from both sides.