McIlroy deleted data from his old phones, court hears

Rory McIlroy's lawyers have told the High Court the golfer has done nothing wrong by deleting data from his old mobile phones in order to protect his privacy.

The world’s number one golfer is suing his former management company Horizon Sports which claims information potentially relevant to the legal dispute may have been wiped from up to eight of the golfer's electronic devices.

In a sworn statement made last night in Palm Beach, Florida, Rory McIroy has said he changed mobile phones on a number of occasions between 2011 and 2014.

He added for privacy reasons before disposing of a phone he would transfer his photos, contacts, music and apps - and then delete all other data by restoring the device to its factory settings.

The golfer said not it did not occur to him nor was he advised by his solicitors that his former management company Horizon Sports might want to access that data as part of this legal wrangle.

Rory McIlroy is suing his former agents claiming the contract he signed with them in December 2011 is invalid on a number of grounds including alleged undue influence.

Horizon has put in a counterclaim - it alleges it has lost €9m in commission fees on transactions like the golfer's $20m (€16.1) a year deal with Nike.