Court Permits Partial Secrecy for Former Entain Executives
Partial Reporting Restrictions Imposed by London Court
A judge in London has ordered that only parts of a previous ruling involving former gambling executives Kenny Alexander and Lee Feldman be publicly shared. While most of the decision will be disclosed, certain sections will remain confidential to avoid prejudice toward a forthcoming criminal trial. Consequently, the full civil judgment will not be fully accessible to the public for the time being.
Background: Alexander and Feldman’s Privacy Challenge
This latest ruling follows Alexander and Feldman’s unsuccessful attempt to assert privacy rights against the UK Gambling Commission. The two contested that the regulator had violated their privacy during its review of gambling operator 888’s license. However, Justice Eady dismissed their claims earlier this year, confirming that the regulator acted lawfully and denying permission to appeal the decision.
The recent ruling focused on whether the court’s comprehensive reasoning behind this judgment should be made accessible. Alexander and Feldman sought to block all publication of the judgment, citing concerns that its contents could influence jurors in a criminal trial set for 2028. Although their request for full suppression was denied, the court agreed to restrict publication of ten specific findings that were deemed seriously unfavorable to them. These findings will remain confidential until the conclusion of the criminal case, with the January judgment being released in an edited form excluding those sensitive parts.
Balancing Open Justice with Fair Trial Integrity
Justice Eady emphasized the need to balance the principle of open justice with safeguarding the fairness of the upcoming jury trial. She determined that redacting the most contentious information struck a reasonable compromise. Suppressing the entire judgment would compromise the transparency that is fundamental to court rulings being available to the public.
Origins of the Dispute and Future Legal Implications
The conflict stems from Alexander and Feldman’s failed effort to acquire control of 888 Holdings. Their involvement prompted the gambling regulator to warn that such a change in ownership could prompt a license review because of concerns tied to the two men’s previous positions at Entain and GVC Holdings. At that time, Entain itself was under investigation by HM Revenue and Customs for alleged bribery related to former Turkish operations.
Alexander and Feldman are among eleven individuals charged in connection with this lengthy criminal investigation. Entain as a corporation is not among the accused and thus is protected from additional prosecution. However, the individuals implicated face ongoing legal proceedings. Until the trial commences in 2028, the most damaging findings against Alexander and Feldman will remain under wraps.
