Concert promoter Mr Jim Aiken is to be paid undisclosed "substantial damages", understood to be a six-figure sum, in settlement of a libel action taken by him against the Sunday Times, the High Court was told yesterday. He and his family were also given an unreserved apology.
Mr Aiken, Strangford Avenue, Belfast, had sued Times Newspapers Ltd, Virginia Street, London, arising out of a front-page report in the Sunday Times on January 27th, 2002.
The case was listed to be heard before Mr Justice Kearns and a jury yesterday. Later yesterday, the judge was told by Mr Paul O'Higgins SC, for Mr Aiken, that the matter had been settled. Mr Mel Christle SC, for the defence, then read an apology in court.
It stated: "A report 'Irish concert promoter facing brokerage probe' (News January 27th) wrongly suggested that Jim Aiken, the prominent Irish music promoter, was involved in a cross-Border police investigation into his brother's insurance brokerage in Northern Ireland.
"We wish to make it clear that there is not and never has been any investigation into Jim Aiken, who has not been questioned by police and who has conducted himself with the utmost probity in every aspect of his business affairs. We apologise unreservedly to Jim Aiken and his family for the distress and embarrassment caused to him by this report.
"We are glad to confirm that the Sunday Times has agreed to pay Mr Aiken substantial damages and all legal costs." Mr O'Higgins asked that, in the circumstances, the action should be struck out. Mr Justice Kearns told the jury the case had been disposed of and they were free to leave. Mr Aiken and members of his family were in court when the apology was read.