14/05/2010
George Awarded Damages Over 'Obsession'
The man cleared of murdering TV presenter Jill Dando after spending seven years in jail has won damages over newspaper claims.
Barry George brought the case over claims that he was obsessed with singer Cheryl Cole and newsreader Kay Burley.
The claims were made in the Sunday Mirror, the People and on the Daily Mirror website in 2008.
They have now, however, been withdrawn by MGN – the owner of the newspaper group.
In 2001, Mr George was convicted of the 1999 murder of Miss Dando.
However, this conviction was quashed in 2007 and he was acquitted of the charge following a retrial.
At the High Court in London today, Mr George's counsel, Gordon Bishop, said that it was now accepted by MGN that its allegations had been false.
The reports suggested Mr George had threatened to pester and harass Ms Cole and her colleagues so he could meet the Girls Aloud singer and X Factor judge.
It was also claimed Mr George had downloaded pictures of Sky presenter Ms Burley, and said that he loved her and she loved him.
MGN agreed to pay substantial damages and Mr George's costs, and Emily Barber, solicitor for the newspaper group, said that it apologised for any hurt and distress caused to him.
Last December, Mr George accepted libel damages from News Group Newspapers - owner of the Sun and the News of the World – following articles which suggested Mr George murdered Miss Dando and that he had stalked other women.
News Group Newspapers apologised for the articles, admitting they contained "false allegations".
(NS/GK)
Barry George brought the case over claims that he was obsessed with singer Cheryl Cole and newsreader Kay Burley.
The claims were made in the Sunday Mirror, the People and on the Daily Mirror website in 2008.
They have now, however, been withdrawn by MGN – the owner of the newspaper group.
In 2001, Mr George was convicted of the 1999 murder of Miss Dando.
However, this conviction was quashed in 2007 and he was acquitted of the charge following a retrial.
At the High Court in London today, Mr George's counsel, Gordon Bishop, said that it was now accepted by MGN that its allegations had been false.
The reports suggested Mr George had threatened to pester and harass Ms Cole and her colleagues so he could meet the Girls Aloud singer and X Factor judge.
It was also claimed Mr George had downloaded pictures of Sky presenter Ms Burley, and said that he loved her and she loved him.
MGN agreed to pay substantial damages and Mr George's costs, and Emily Barber, solicitor for the newspaper group, said that it apologised for any hurt and distress caused to him.
Last December, Mr George accepted libel damages from News Group Newspapers - owner of the Sun and the News of the World – following articles which suggested Mr George murdered Miss Dando and that he had stalked other women.
News Group Newspapers apologised for the articles, admitting they contained "false allegations".
(NS/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 December 2009
Barry George Wins Media Pay-Out
The man cleared of murdering BBC presenter Jill Dando has received compensation from newspapers who wrongly reported he had stalked other women. Barry George accepted "substantial damages" from News Group Newspapers, which owns the Sun and Sunday tabloid the News of the World.
Barry George Wins Media Pay-Out
The man cleared of murdering BBC presenter Jill Dando has received compensation from newspapers who wrongly reported he had stalked other women. Barry George accepted "substantial damages" from News Group Newspapers, which owns the Sun and Sunday tabloid the News of the World.
08 May 2014
Brand Wins Damages Over Affair Claims
Russell Brand has accepted substantial libel damages from The Sun on Sunday after the newspaper published false claims about his relationship. The comedian, 38, took legal action against the publication in January after it alleged in an article last November that he had cheated on his girlfriend Jemima Khan.
Brand Wins Damages Over Affair Claims
Russell Brand has accepted substantial libel damages from The Sun on Sunday after the newspaper published false claims about his relationship. The comedian, 38, took legal action against the publication in January after it alleged in an article last November that he had cheated on his girlfriend Jemima Khan.
24 November 2011
'Questions Remain' Despite Murdoch Jnr Resignation
Labour's Media Secretary has said that James Murdoch still had questions to answer despite stepping down from the board of News Group Newspapers. News International, a News Corp.
'Questions Remain' Despite Murdoch Jnr Resignation
Labour's Media Secretary has said that James Murdoch still had questions to answer despite stepping down from the board of News Group Newspapers. News International, a News Corp.
29 July 2011
Jefferies Libel Claims Means 'Substantial Damages'
The High Court has ruled that two tabloid newspapers broke the law in their reporting of Jo Yeates' murder. Christopher Jefferies, Ms Yeates' neighbour, was proven innocent after being named as a suspect by The Daily Mirror and the Sun. They were later found in contempt of court.
Jefferies Libel Claims Means 'Substantial Damages'
The High Court has ruled that two tabloid newspapers broke the law in their reporting of Jo Yeates' murder. Christopher Jefferies, Ms Yeates' neighbour, was proven innocent after being named as a suspect by The Daily Mirror and the Sun. They were later found in contempt of court.
27 April 2007
Hugh Grant wins libel damages over claim
Actor Hugh Grant has accepted undisclosed libel damages from Associated Newspapers over claims made about the end of his relationship with Jemima Khan.
Hugh Grant wins libel damages over claim
Actor Hugh Grant has accepted undisclosed libel damages from Associated Newspapers over claims made about the end of his relationship with Jemima Khan.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.