BBC News Online: Entertainment: Showbiz

Beckhams win bodyguard battle

A High Court judge in London was told Mark Niblett's defence and counterclaim had been struck out because he had failed to comply with an interim procedural order made against him earlier.

The action was launched after Mr Niblett assisted author Andrew Morton with material for his unauthorised biography Posh and Becks, which was published in October.

The Spice Girls singer and England football captain settled their action against Mr Morton and his publishers by withdrawing their legal objection to most of the book's contents, but they stressed they did not approve of it.

Damages

The terms of the new judgement, approved by Mr Justice Etherton, now provide for an inquiry to be held into the couple's entitlement to damages against Mr Niblett.

Any damages could include compensation for "injury to feelings" and possibly exemplary punitive damages.

Michael Tugendhat QC, acting for the Beckhams, said the judgement included a final injunction preventing Mr Niblett from making any further disclosures of private or confidential information, plus an order for costs against him.

Mr Niblett was not present in court, and nor was he represented.

The Beckhams were also absent, but their solicitors said in a statement: "David and Victoria are naturally both pleased with today's outcome, although they regret the proceedings ever had to be brought at all."