Van Morrison wins libel damages

LONDON, UK (Top40 Charts) - Morrison accepted undisclosed damages in settlement of his action

Belfast-born singer Van Morrison has won further damages over a newspaper allegation he had an affair with the American singer Linda Gail Lewis.
In the High Court in Belfast Mr Morrison accepted undisclosed damages in settlement of his action against the Dublin newspaper The Star.

A statement read in court on Thursday said it unreservedly accepted allegations published earlier this year were completely without foundation.

The statement said the publishers, Independent Star Ltd, apologised sincerely to Mr Morrison for the upset and embarrassment they had caused.

Solicitor Paul Tweed said: "My client is pleased to have had the record set straight so far as this newspaper is concerned and is satisfied with the categoric retraction and apology."
Mr Tweed said his firm had instructions to proceed with other libel actions arising out of similar allegations.

Last week, the Dublin-based Sunday Independent agreed to pay Van Morrison compensation over similar allegations. The paper apologised to the 56-year-old musician and his long-term partner Michelle Rocha.