Abuse victim hails minister's apology

A CHILD abuse victim labelled "extremely disturbed" by Children’s Minister Margaret Hodge has spoken of his delight at her agreement to apologise publicly, pay his legal costs and make a £10,000 donation to his choice of charity.

The package will be worth up to 20,000 to Demetrious Panton, who had threatened to press ahead with his libel suit if Mrs Hodge did not follow a written apology and promise not to repeat her comments with a full-blown admission that she was wrong and charity payment.

The money will go to Nacro, the National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders.

Mr Panton said he was delighted she had agreed to his requests and felt proud that he had "stuck up" for himself.

However, Mrs Hodge will not resign over the row, which erupted a week ago following the BBC’s decision to read out a letter containing her remarks live on radio.

The full statement from Mrs Hodge, issued last night, said: "On Friday, Mr Panton’s solicitors requested the following three things. One, a public apology. Two, a donation to a charity of Mr Panton’s choice. Three, payment of Mr Panton’s legal costs.

"I can now confirm we have agreed the following. One, a statement in court will be made shortly reiterating the apology made on 14 November. Two, I will make a donation of 10,000 to Nacro. Three, I have agreed to pay Mr Panton’s legal costs."

The amount of the legal costs to be paid has not been fully agreed yet, but is certain to be more than 20,000.