High Court refuses Mosley video injunction

The judge, Mr Justice Eady, refused to grant the injunction, saying that content of the video was now so widely familiar that Mosley could no longer reasonably expect to keep it out of the public domain.

The BBC today reported the judge as saying: "I have, with some reluctance, come to the conclusion that although this material is intrusive and demeaning, and despite the fact that there is no legitimate public interest in its further publication, the granting of an order against this respondent at the present juncture would merely be a futile gesture. The dam has effectively burst."

The News of the World's legal manager Tom Crone issued the following statement: "Max Mosley's attempt to suppress the News of the World's video of his sordid activities has failed. The film is now back on the website."

Mosley has faced calls to resign from his position in the FIA from several key Formula One figures and manufacturers, but insists that his actions were harmless and legal and has vowed to remain in his role.

His legal team are also taking action against the newspaper for breach of privacy and are reported to be seeking "unlimited damages."

His claim is expected to be heard in July.