16/10/2008
'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.
Express Newspapers paid £375,000 in damages to the so-called 'Tapas Seven' and have printed an apology to the group in the Thursday edition of the Daily Express and Daily Star papers. The friends of the McCann's said they would donate the money to the official Find Madeleine Fund.
The seven are Jane Tanner, Russell O'Brien, Rachael and Matthew Oldfield, Fiona and David Payne, and Mrs Payne's mother Dianne Webster.
The apology from Express Newspapers read: "In articles published between July and December last year we suggested that the holiday companions of Kate and Gerry McCann might have covered up the true facts concerning Madeleine McCann's disappearance and/or misled the authorities investigation her disappearance.
"We also reported speculation that one member of the group, Dr Russell O'Brien, was suspected of involvement with Madeleine's abduction. We now accept that these suggestions should never have been made and were completely untrue."
Speaking outside court, Fiona Payne said the pay-out "changed little" because Madeleine was still missing.
She also said the friends felt the stories about them had been "detrimental to the search for Madeleine".
Madeleine, of Rothley, Leicestershire, went missing in Portugal in May 2007. She was aged three at the time of her disappearance.
The apologies are expected to be repeated in the Sunday Express.
(JM)
Express Newspapers paid £375,000 in damages to the so-called 'Tapas Seven' and have printed an apology to the group in the Thursday edition of the Daily Express and Daily Star papers. The friends of the McCann's said they would donate the money to the official Find Madeleine Fund.
The seven are Jane Tanner, Russell O'Brien, Rachael and Matthew Oldfield, Fiona and David Payne, and Mrs Payne's mother Dianne Webster.
The apology from Express Newspapers read: "In articles published between July and December last year we suggested that the holiday companions of Kate and Gerry McCann might have covered up the true facts concerning Madeleine McCann's disappearance and/or misled the authorities investigation her disappearance.
"We also reported speculation that one member of the group, Dr Russell O'Brien, was suspected of involvement with Madeleine's abduction. We now accept that these suggestions should never have been made and were completely untrue."
Speaking outside court, Fiona Payne said the pay-out "changed little" because Madeleine was still missing.
She also said the friends felt the stories about them had been "detrimental to the search for Madeleine".
Madeleine, of Rothley, Leicestershire, went missing in Portugal in May 2007. She was aged three at the time of her disappearance.
The apologies are expected to be repeated in the Sunday Express.
(JM)
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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.
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.
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Madeleine's parents visit holy shrine
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Madeleine's parents visit holy shrine
The parents of missing British girl Madeleine McCann have made a pilgrimage to Portugal's holiest site to pray for the four-year-old's safe return. Gerry and Kate McCann travelled to Fatima, home of the Marian shrine, in what is expected to be the first of several visits across Europe in order to raise awareness of their daughter's abduction.
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