Television actress Nikki Sanderson has given evidence in a phone hacking trial in which she detailed the impact on her personal and professional life after her phone was hacked by a journalist. Sanderson, who is best known for her roles in “Coronation Street” and “Hollyoaks,” told the jurors that the media interest in her, following her rise to fame, has caused her to live in a “constant state of anxiety”.
Sanderson, who testified via video link at London’s Central Criminal Court, said she felt “violated” and “angry” after discovering that her phone had been hacked over a period of several years. The actress said she was followed, photographed and even had her car tires slashed to get attention-grabbing stories. She also told the court that her identity and personal information were constantly under threat of exploitation, and that the reporters “abused their positions” to gain access to private information about her.
According to Sanderson, journalists were constantly contacting her, demanding information and even creating false stories to provoke reactions. The actress said she was frequently pressured to give private information or make personal statements, which she later retracted in order to protect her career and reputation.
Sanderson’s testimony echoed previous statements from other celebrities, as well as members of the public who have been subject to phone hacking. They have often spoken of the emotional toll that ongoing media attention can have on their mental health and well-being.
At one point, Sanderson broke down in tears while recalling the impact on her family, including her father who had to change his phone number because of the number of calls he was receiving from journalists. She also spoke about the physical harm she had suffered, such as having her hair set on fire during a public backlash.
The ongoing trial is part of a wider investigation into alleged phone hacking by News Group Newspapers, a subsidiary of News UK, and involves several high-profile individuals, including politicians, sports stars and other public figures.
The practice of phone hacking, which involves accessing voicemails and other private information without consent, was widespread among the UK press in the early 2000s. Several journalists have been convicted of the practice, and media organizations have paid out millions of pounds in compensation to victims.
Amidst the ongoing trial, Sanderson has become an advocate for privacy and has called for stronger legal protections for victims of phone hacking. She has also urged the media to respect people’s privacy and to avoid the unethical tactics that have caused so much harm in the past.
Sanderson emphasized that she is “not an object” and that she deserves to have control over her own private information and personal life. Her testimony has shed light on the devastating impact of phone hacking and the need for stronger legal protections to prevent it from happening in the future.
