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“We are pleased that Express Newspapers have
today admitted the utter falsity of the numerous
grotesque and grossly defamatory allegations
that their titles published about us on a
sustained basis over many months.
The exceptional publication of these apologies,
together with today’s statement of full apology
in open Court before Mr Justice Eady, was the
only just and proper response by Express
Newspapers following our complaint. We also wish
to place on record our thanks to Adam Tudor,
from Carter Ruck. Today’s result simply could
not have been achieved without him
Express Newspapers, rightly acknowledge that we
are innocent of all allegations that we may have
been involved in Madeleine’s abduction and WE
would like to reiterate that there is absolutely
no evidence that Madeleine is dead or has been
seriously harmed.
We
embarked on this course of action reluctantly,
indeed with a heavy heart, as we did not wish
the pursuit of it to become a distraction from
our sole aim – finding Madeleine. Indeed, as
long ago as last autumn our lawyers approached
Express Newspapers
and urged them to show greater restraint in
their reporting – requests which went utterly
unheeded.
The distress all this has caused members of our
wider family, at a time of great emotional
turmoil for them, was also a major factor in our
action. Their pain over the loss of Madeleine
has been compounded by having to witness the
irresponsible and libellous reporting that we
have successfully challenged today.
As
a part of our settlement, Express Newspapers
have also agreed to donate £550,000
to the Fund that was
established to help find Madeleine. We feel it
is entirely appropriate that the search for
Madeleine will now benefit directly out of the
wrongs committed against us as her parents.
We
hope that the Portuguese authorities lift our
arguido status in the very near future so that
everyone can focus on finding our beautiful
little girl, Madeleine.”
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