U.K.

Jury convicts man of evidence-tampering in pop star's trial

Fake Sheikh Mazher Mahmood keeps his face hidden as he arrives for his trial at the Old Bailey

Mazher Mahmood, one of Britain's best known undercover reporters renowned for his "fake sheikh" sting operations, was facing jail on Wednesday (Oct 5) after being convicted of plotting to alter evidence in a high-profile court case where he was the main witness.

Mark Lewis, who also represented victims of phone hacking including the parents of the murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler, said he had been contacted by people who had gone to jail or lost their livelihoods on the basis of disputed evidence from Mahmood.

In the sting, Mahmood posed as a successful film producer and discussed a movie role for the singer in which she would share screen time with A-list star Leonardo DiCaprio.

As Smith drove Miss Contostavlos home to Hertfordshire, she allegedly spoke about a family member who had a drugs problem.

They altered Smith's statement over a conversation in which Contostavlos was said to have expressed her disapproval of drugs.

But a day later, after speaking to Mahmood and emailing his draft statement, the singer's anti-drugs comments were removed, the court heard.

"This whole case was a horrific and disgusting entrapment by Mazher Mahmood and the Sun on Sunday newspaper".

The Criminal Cases Review Commission is now reviewing the convictions of six people who were found guilty of offences as a result of evidence provided by Mahmood, whose career has spanned the News of the World, the Sunday Times and the Sun on Sunday.

Neither defendant gave evidence during the trial, but it was said on Mahmood's behalf that there had been a "misunderstanding" of his evidence as he was "steamrollered" with complicated questions.

His driver and co-defendant, Alan Smith, 67, was also found guilty of the same charge following a trial at the Old Bailey. Judge Gerald Gordon adjourned sentencing until October 21 and granted the two men bail.

The Criminal Cases Review Commission is now reviewing six cases involving celebrities who were convicted following involvement with Mahmood.

"Journalist and newspaper editor Roy Greenslade, who was Mahmood's former boss at the Sunday Times, told Sky News it was ironic he was tripped up by a "routine investigation".

"Over the last 25 years, innumerable lives have been ruined by the dishonest actions of Mazher Mahmood".

The CCRC said that the six cases it now has under review could rise, as other people were trying to appeal against convictions through the courts but were likely to turn to the CCRC as a last resort if they were unsuccessful.

A News UK spokesperson told iMediaEthics by e-mail, "We are disappointed by the news that Mazher Mahmood has been convicted".

Lawyers say a number of Mahmood's previous targets could now bring civil claims against him. "We do not have further comment".

A CPS spokesman said: "We have taken all reasonable steps to trace cases linked to Mr Mahmood - including the issuing of a press release, along with scrutiny of our own records and other sources of information". "The decision on whether to take any further legal steps rests exclusively with the relevant defence team", the CPS said.

The prosecution asked for costs to be awarded totalling £37,929.

Prosecutors said Smith and Mahmood had a "vested interest" in Ms Contostavlos being convicted.

stayontheblack.com

Jury convicts man of evidence-tampering in pop star's trial