Named and shamed

The photographer being pursued by Kate Middleton's lawyers has been revealed as Niraj Tanna(not pictured in this blog-no juxtaposition libel suits please) from Ikon Pictures.

Apparently Tanna spent Christmas following Prince William's girlfriend, and even tried to snap her through the window while she was at dinner with her family on Christmas day.

The pap then distributed the pictures via Rex Features, only to have the shots declined by several papers. This one was a bit predictable really wasn't it? As recently as December the Queen herself warned the media that they were walking a legal tightrope in regards to their relationship with the royals. So not only do they have the right to privacy under the European Convention on Human Rights, but now also under the editors' code of practice which protects people seeking "a reasonable expectation of privacy".

Peaches Geldof today accepted what I'm sure was a handsome payout from Express Newspapers. The money was paid for damages caused to Bob's daughter by the Daily Star headline "Peaches: spend the night with me for £5k"

The article claimed that the fruity TV presenter had accepted cash for turning up to parties and other social events. If this is true and the 5k figure wasn't just plucked out of the air then I think this is a little harsh. Not only does she get paid to go to parties, but she then gets a lump some plus legal fees for an accurate and fair headline? Careful Peaches, those palms will be getting sore soon.

That said, according to Geldof's solicitor Jonathan Coad, Express Newspapers agreed that the headline implied Ms Geldof "provided services of a personal sexual nature for the payment of a fee". Though they did print the apology and retraction on the graveyard page so their feelings of guilt can't have been too overwhelming.