A High Court judge has been told of the distress suffered by Celtic midfielder Neil Lennon over allegations that he may have stolen equipment from a Daily Record photographer.
Last year the paper said it was “highly likely” that Lennon had stolen £12,000 worth of equipment from Paul Chappells. However, Mr Justice Tugendhat was told by the paper’s solicitor in London last week that it had never intended to make such a suggestion. It accepted that the claim was “without foundation” it offered its “sincere and unreserved apologies”.
Lennon – said by his counsel, William Bennett, to have suffered “great distress and embarrassment” over the allegation – will receive undisclosed damages, believed to be around £25,000, and payment of his legal costs.
Earlier this year, the paper argued that the English High Court did not have the jurisdiction to deal with Lennon’s libel action. However, the judge ruled that Lennon’s reputation stretched beyond the Scottish border.
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog