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19/03/2008
Express Apology To McCanns
Express Newspapers will pay a substantial sum to the Find Madeleine Fund following the settlement of a libel case brought by her parents.
The four papers involved, The Daily Express, Sunday Express, Daily Star and the Daily Star Sunday edition have admitted that they were wrong to suggest that the couple had anything to do with the toddler’s disappearance. The papers will print front page apologies.
Her parents, Kate and Gerry, have been named as suspects by Portuguese police but have vehemently denied their involvement.
Express Newspapers, after bringing in outside lawyers, were advised to settle out of court.
News reports say that the McCanns had asked for up to £4 million, the final settlement is reported to be £550,000 after initially being offered £250,000 by the news group.
The libel action related to more than 100 stories across all four titles.
Today’s Daily Express admitted that a number of articles it had published suggested that the “the couple caused the death of their missing daughter Madeleine and then covered it up”.
An extract from the apology in the Daily Express said: “We acknowledge that there is no evidence whatsoever to support this theory and that Kate and Gerry are completely innocent of any involvement in their daughter’s disappearance.
“Kate and Gerry, we are truly sorry to have added to your distress.
“We assure you that we hope Madeleine will one day be found alive and will be restored to her loving family.”
Media commentator Roy Greenslade said: “I think this is an amazing stand-down, u-turn, by the Express newspapers.
“I think when people realise that more than 100 stories have been complained about as being grossly defamatory, it will annihilate the Express’ readers sense of trust and credibility in their newspaper.”
Publicist Max Clifford said that slip in reporting standards was a “sign of the times” and will damage relations with readers.
Madeleine went missing from her family’s holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal on May 3rd last year while her parents ate at a tapas bar with friends.
(DS)
The four papers involved, The Daily Express, Sunday Express, Daily Star and the Daily Star Sunday edition have admitted that they were wrong to suggest that the couple had anything to do with the toddler’s disappearance. The papers will print front page apologies.
Her parents, Kate and Gerry, have been named as suspects by Portuguese police but have vehemently denied their involvement.
Express Newspapers, after bringing in outside lawyers, were advised to settle out of court.
News reports say that the McCanns had asked for up to £4 million, the final settlement is reported to be £550,000 after initially being offered £250,000 by the news group.
The libel action related to more than 100 stories across all four titles.
Today’s Daily Express admitted that a number of articles it had published suggested that the “the couple caused the death of their missing daughter Madeleine and then covered it up”.
An extract from the apology in the Daily Express said: “We acknowledge that there is no evidence whatsoever to support this theory and that Kate and Gerry are completely innocent of any involvement in their daughter’s disappearance.
“Kate and Gerry, we are truly sorry to have added to your distress.
“We assure you that we hope Madeleine will one day be found alive and will be restored to her loving family.”
Media commentator Roy Greenslade said: “I think this is an amazing stand-down, u-turn, by the Express newspapers.
“I think when people realise that more than 100 stories have been complained about as being grossly defamatory, it will annihilate the Express’ readers sense of trust and credibility in their newspaper.”
Publicist Max Clifford said that slip in reporting standards was a “sign of the times” and will damage relations with readers.
Madeleine went missing from her family’s holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal on May 3rd last year while her parents ate at a tapas bar with friends.
(DS)
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17 July 2008
Murat "Vindicated" After Damages Settlement
Madeleine McCann suspect Robert Murat has said he feels "vindicated" after receiving £600,000 as part of a libel claim against 11 British newspapers.
Murat "Vindicated" After Damages Settlement
Madeleine McCann suspect Robert Murat has said he feels "vindicated" after receiving £600,000 as part of a libel claim against 11 British newspapers.
16 October 2008
'Tapas Seven' Receive Damages From Newspaper
Seven people who were on holiday with Kate and Gerry McCann when their daughter Madeleine disappeared have received a "substantial" libel payout from a newspaper group.
'Tapas Seven' Receive Damages From Newspaper
Seven people who were on holiday with Kate and Gerry McCann when their daughter Madeleine disappeared have received a "substantial" libel payout from a newspaper group.
15 July 2008
Robert Murat Wins Damages From Newspapers
Robert Murat has settled a claim for damages against 11 UK newspapers and will receive a written apology in each over allegations he was involved in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. The libel settlement is valued at around £550,000. Mr Murat is still an official suspect in Portugal.
Robert Murat Wins Damages From Newspapers
Robert Murat has settled a claim for damages against 11 UK newspapers and will receive a written apology in each over allegations he was involved in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. The libel settlement is valued at around £550,000. Mr Murat is still an official suspect in Portugal.
21 April 2010
Book-Reading Bus Driver Dropped
A busman who drove his packed double decker along a busy dual carriageway - while reading a book - has been suspended. He was so engrossed he didn't even notice being filmed by one horrified passenger. The passenger, who wishes to remain anonymous, filmed the National Express West Midlands driver steering with his elbows while holding a small book.
Book-Reading Bus Driver Dropped
A busman who drove his packed double decker along a busy dual carriageway - while reading a book - has been suspended. He was so engrossed he didn't even notice being filmed by one horrified passenger. The passenger, who wishes to remain anonymous, filmed the National Express West Midlands driver steering with his elbows while holding a small book.
30 July 2009
Passengers Disrupted By Rail Strike
Thousands of rail passengers are to face disruption for the next 48 hours as National Express East Anglia workers go on strike. Services to and from Liverpool Street Station were crippled with just skeleton staff, with trains in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex - including routes into London and Stansted airport - affected by the action.
Passengers Disrupted By Rail Strike
Thousands of rail passengers are to face disruption for the next 48 hours as National Express East Anglia workers go on strike. Services to and from Liverpool Street Station were crippled with just skeleton staff, with trains in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex - including routes into London and Stansted airport - affected by the action.
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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.
