LIBEL proceedings by a former deputy editor of the Irish Independent following publication of a book titled Paper Tigers have been settled, the High Court was told yesterday.
The settlement was announced to Mr Justice Kinlen by Mr Patrick MacEntee SC, for Mr Richard Roche, who brought the action. He said an apology would be read by Mr Martin Hayden, counsel for the defence.
Mr Hayden then read the following "The book Paper Tigers, published by William Heinemann Ltd and written Mr Nicholas Coleridge, contains chapter devoted to Dr Anthony O'Reilly.
"In that chapter Dr O'Reilly is quoted as stating that one of the newspapers owned by Independent Newspapers plc had a deputy editor who had acted in an unprofessional manner in the discharge" of his journalistic duties. The reference in question could have been construed as referable to Mr Richard Roche, formerly a deputy editor of the Irish Independent.
"William Heinemann Ltd Nicholas Coleridge and Dr O'Reilly each acknowledge that Mr Roche has at all times adhered to the highest professional standards in carrying out his duties as a journalist and an editor and that the matters adduced in support of the defamatory statements are entirely without foundation in fact in respect of Mr Roche.
"William Heinemann Ltd, Nicholas Coleridge and Dr O'Reilly are pleased to clarify the position and unreservedly withdraw the imputations against Mr Roche. They also unreservedly apologise to Mr Roche and express regret for any inconvenience and distress caused to Mr Roche and his family. Compensation in an agreed sum will be paid to Mr Roche."
Mr MacEntee said the matter could stand adjourned for three weeks so that the agreed sum could be paid.