Messrs Schilling & Lom, solicitors, of London, W1, acting for Mr Hugh Grant, complained on his behalf that confidential medical information about him was published in the Sunday Mirror on 23 June 1996 in breach of Clause 4 (Privacy) of the Code of Practice.

The complainant also raised a number of issues arising from the complaint involving confidentiality and sources of information, which were outside the Commissions remit.

The newspaper sought to resolve the matter directly with the complainant by way of an apology. The complainant rejected the offer and the newspaper did not further contest the matter. The complaint was upheld.

The Commission regrets the delay that has occurred in dealing with this complaint. This was due, in part, to preliminary questions raised by the newspaper as to whether the Commission should deal with the complaint because of a number of legal issues relating to it.