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[i_hopi] 16/10/2008 09:07

Madeleine McCann: Daily Express publishes apology to 'Tapas Seven'
The Daily Express newspaper has printed an apology to friends of Kate and Gerry McCann, as part of a legal settlement thought to include nearly £400,000 in damages.

By Matthew Moore Last Updated: 9:57AM BST 16 Oct 2008

The group – known as the Tapas Seven – had taken action against the Express Group over a series of articles relating to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann from the Portuguese resort where they were all holidaying last year.

Under the headline "Tapas Seven – an apology" on page five of Thursday's paper, the Daily Express apologised for publishing "completely untrue" suggestions that the friends may have lied about the circumstances of the case.

"In articles published between July and December last year we suggested that the holiday companions of Kate and Gerry McCann might have covered up the true facts concerning Madeleine McCann's disappearance and/or misled the authorities investigating her disappearance," the apology read.

"We also reported speculation that one member of the group, Dr Russell O'Brien, was suspected of involvement with Madeleine's abduction.

"We now accept that these suggestions should never have been made and were completely untrue.

"We apologise to Jane Tanner, Russell O'Brien, Fiona Payne, David Payne, Matthew Oldfield, Rachael Oldfield and Diane Webster to whom we have agreed to pay substantial damages which they will donate to the Find Madeleine Fund."

The same apology was printed in the Daily Star newspaper.

The full details of the Tapas Seven's settlement with Express Newspapers, which also publishes the Sunday Express and Daily Star, will be outlined in the High Court.

The seven, who are represented by Carter-Ruck, are expected to be at court except for Russell O'Brien and Jane Tanner.

It is understood that the group will receive around £375,000 which will be donated to the Find Madeleine Fund, taking the total in the fund to more than £800,000.

The Express Group paid Mrs and Mrs McCann £500,000 compensation over the suggestion that they may have been involved in their daughter's disappearance.