Gazza 'close to settling hacking case'

Former England footballer Paul Gascoigne’s phone-hacking claim is close to being settled, the UK's High Court heard today.

A lawyer told Mr Justice Vos, sitting in London, that Gascoigne’s case “is settling”.

The announcement was made by counsel Jeremy Reed, who represents various claimants in the News of the World phone-hacking claims.

Outside court, lawyers declined to give further details on Gascoigne’s action, which was one of the “lead” cases for a trial which is being held early next year.

The announcement came during a brief hearing before the judge this morning.

At around midday, he is due to hear various applications in the phone-hacking cases, believed to cover aspects of the disclosure of information and the trial date.