Gordon Ramsay awarded £250,000 after judge rules father-in-law illegally accessed his computer

Gordon Ramsay has been awarded £250,000 after a judge ruled that his father-in-law, Chris Hutcheson, had illegally accessed his email and computers.

The award follows legal action launched in August by Ramsay after finding that personal email messages had been read.

Justice Briggs found Hutcheson, his daughter Orlanda Butland and son Adam Hutcheson liable for breach of confidence. He ordered that they hand over documents obtained as a result and pay Ramsay £250,000 costs.

The action came after Ramsay sacked Hutcheson from his role as chief executive of Gordon Ramsay Holdings last year and accused him of taking £1.5m from the company.

The High Court heard that Hutcheson had raised two children with a mistress, funding them with his six-figure salary. Claims that Hutcheson took money from Gordon Ramsay Holdings to fund his double life will be heard at a later date. Hutcheson denies the other allegations.

A source close to Ramsay told the Daily Mirror: "Given what Chris and members of his family did, Gordon and Tana had no choice but to take legal action. After what they have been subjected to they of course feel vindicated by the decision."

Chris Hutcheson hits out at Gordon Ramsay >>
Gordon Ramsay hits back at Chris Hutcheson >>
Gordon Ramsay Holdings returns to profit >>