Mirror Group forced to pay phone hacking damages to Danielle Lloyd, Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole

Company apologises over misuse of private information

Danielle Lloyd, Jennifer Ellison, Dwight Yorke and Andrew Cole received undisclosed damages (Alamy)

Mirror Group Newspapers has been forced to pay damages to a model, an actress and two former footballers over the phone hacking scandal.

Danielle Lloyd, Jennifer Ellison, Dwight Yorke and Andrew Cole received undisclosed damages for the settlement of their claims for misuse of private information.

MGN also offered the celebrities an apology at the High Court on Thursday.

Lawyer Mark Elder told Mr Justice Mann that 34-year-old Lloyd was "distressed and appalled" to learn she was targeted.

In addition to the emotional impact, Ellison, also 34, believed the activity adversely affected her career.

MGN's actions had a "massive emotional impact" on Yorke, 46, affected his life in many ways and significantly damaged his reputation.

And they had an adverse impact on 46-year-old Cole's life in many ways, including leading him to distrust people close to him.

MGN apologised for any damage or distress suffered as a result of the unlawful interception of voicemail messages more than a decade ago.

Mr Elder, of law firm Shoosmiths, said later: "We're pleased to have resolved these claims against MGN on behalf of our clients.

"Our clients may be in the public eye but they have a right to a private life, which should be respected.

"A settlement has been reached with MGN and our clients are happy with the outcome."

None of the celebrities were present at the hearing.

Additional reporting by PA