Geldof and Yates end custody fight

THE CUSTODY battle between Bob Geldof and Paula Yates over their children was resolved in court yesterday when the two describing…

THE CUSTODY battle between Bob Geldof and Paula Yates over their children was resolved in court yesterday when the two describing themselves as "concerned parents" agreed to share the care of the three children.

The settlement was reached yesterday after a four day hearing in private before Mrs Justice Hale when a solicitor, Mr Mark Stephens, read from a joint statement authorised by the judge.

The statement said. "Two concerned parents came to court to do what each of them believed was right for their children.

"They have now resolved matters in a way which they both believe to be in the best interests of the children.

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"Bob and Paula have agreed that they will continue to share the care of their children.

"No further comment can or will be made."

Mr Stephens also reminded the media that strict reporting restrictions remained in force in regard to the hearing.

The couple left the court separately last night. However, earlier in court Mr Geldof put his arm around Ms Yates and planted a kiss on the top of her head.

Ms Yates, a TV presenter, was clad in a fake leopard skin coat over a cream dress. Mr Geldof looked smart in a blue pinstripe suit.

The two had spent most of the day either inside the closed courtroom or in the privacy of a consultation room adjoining the court.

Two weeks ago, Mr Geldof applied for the custody of the couple's three children.

Ms Yates returned to Britain to deal with the custody proceedings and a Scotland Yard inquiry into an alleged drug find at her home in Chelsea. She left her two month old daughter, Heavenly Hiraani, in Australia with new partner the INXS star Michael Hutchence.