TWO NEWSPAPERS have told the High Court they acknowledge there was no evidence for reports they carried in relation to the death of schoolboy Robert Holohan at the hands of Wayne O’Donoghue.
Mr O'Donoghue, who was convicted in December 2005 of the manslaughter of his neighbour, had brought proceedings against Sunday Newspapers Ltd, which publishes the Sunday World, and Independent Newspapers Ltd, publisher of the Evening Herald.
He claimed he was libelled in articles published by both newspapers in 2006 in relation to the killing of Robert (11) in January 2005 in Midleton, Co Cork. Both newspapers denied libel.
The case was listed for hearing before a jury in the High Court yesterday but Mr Justice Éamon de Valera was told the action had been settled on terms agreed between the parties.
As part of the settlement, a statement was read out on behalf of both newspapers, acknowledging there was no evidence that semen found on Robert’s body was that of Mr O’Donoghue.
Outside the court, Mr O’Donoghue’s solicitor Frank Buttimer said: “The reaction of my client is that he is pleased that there has been an acknowledgment in court that the material which was published, or any implication drawn from the material which was published, has been accepted as being what it is, that it was inaccurate.”
He added: “The publications have been gracious enough to acknowledge that by their acknowledgment in court here today. It has been a very, very difficult matter for all concerned, not least for the family of Robert Holohan, certainly for Wayne O’Donoghue and his family.
“Wayne and his family are pleased that there has been an acknowledgment on today’s date and as far as he’s concerned that concludes those matters,” Mr Buttimer said.
A joint statement from Michael Denieffe, managing editor, Independent Newspapers, and Colm MacGinty, editor of the Sunday World, thanked Robert's parents, Majella and Mark, for attending the hearing.
“We take this opportunity to acknowledge their courage and dignity,” the statement said.