UNDISCLOSED damages are to be paid to a Co Down man who brought libel proceedings following an article in Phoenix magazine nearly four years ago, the High Court was told yesterday.
The action was taken by Mr Henry Robinson, Fairbank Way, Downpatrick, against Penfield Enterprises Ltd, publishers of the magazine, and Smurfit Ireland Ltd, printers of the magazine.
Mr Robinson was stated to be a community worker and associated with an organisation known as Families Against Intimidation and Terror.
A settlement was announced by Mr Paul O'Higgins C for Mr Robinson, to Miss Justice Laffoy and a jury following day-long discussions between counsel for both sides.
Mr Joseph Finnegan SC, for the defence, read an apology and retraction stating that in the magazine's edition of July 29th, 1994, an article was published referring to Mr Robinson.
It stated that insofar as the article or any other article in the edition may have been taken to mean that Mr Robinson was connected with the British security services in any shape or form; that he received any payment from the British security services in any shape or form; that he supported or wished to see a continuation of violence in Northern Ireland, Phoenix unreservedly withdrew such allegations and apologised to him and his family for the hurt and distress caused.
The two defendants had agreed to pay Mr Robinson damages and costs. Costs are to be paid on the Circuit Court scale.