Susan Boyle manager accepts libel damages

An adviser to singer Susan Boyle has accepted substantial undisclosed libel damages over a claim that he was unfit to handle her affairs.

Retired accountant Ossie Kilkenny, a member of the International Board of Directors of Special Olympics, brought proceedings in London's High Court over a Daily Mail story in March last year.

The publication of the false allegations caused him acute distress and anxiety and were an unwarranted slur on his character and professional reputation, said solicitor Nicholas Armstrong.

He told Mr Justice Tugendhat today that Mr Kilkenny - who at the time was one of Miss Boyle's managers - was referred to in an article headed "Family at war over Subo's millions".

It suggested that, because of doubts over his trustworthiness, Mr Kilkenny was unsuitable or unfit to be trusted to handle the singer's affairs.

Mr Armstrong said that Associated Newspapers had now accepted this was untrue and clarified that it never intended to suggest that Mr Kilkenny managed Miss Boyle's finances dishonestly.

It had apologised and agreed to pay him substantial damages and reimburse his legal costs.

PA