A HIGH COURT judge scolded Prince Harry’s lawyer today for violating strict privacy rules.
Mr Justice Swift humiliated Shaheed Fatima QC in open court after he handed an embargoed legal document to a public relations strategist.
According to the court, she emailed the documents to “reputation specialist” Tim Robinson – a partner at the privacy-loving law firm Schillings.
To make matters worse, Ms Fatima only admitted to the breach on Wednesday, nearly a week after she leaked the draught judgement, and she has refused to apologise.
She first claimed that Schillings, which is representing Harry in a claim against the Home Office, did not believe there was a breach.
Mr Justice Swift, however, raged: “Let me disabuse you of that right now.” What you’re saying isn’t helping matters.
“The rules are very clear, and anyone practising in this court should be aware of them.” This embargo follows standard protocol; what it says is what it means.
“Mr Robinson is not a solicitor, and he is not legally qualified to provide legal services or advice.” This should have been obvious, and it should have been reported to me as soon as possible.
“This is entirely unacceptable. You haven’t even offered an apology.
“Nothing you’ve said this morning approaches an apology for this clear breach of the embargo.
“You must take responsibility when things go wrong. Not everything that happens is someone else’s fault.”
