Hodge to fork out cash to save job

Tuesday, 18 November 2003 12:00 AM

Embattled Minister for Children Margaret Hodge has agreed to make a public apology to the child abuse victim she labelled "extremely disturbed."

Mrs Hodge also pledged to pay Demetrious Panton's legal costs and make a £10,000 donation to the charity of his choice. The final bill for the slur is estimated at £20,000

The National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders is set to receive the cash.

However, despite the increasingly vociferous calls for her resignation, she said she would not resign her brief.

Mr Panton, a consultant at John Prescott's Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, said he would take out a libel suit against Mrs Hodge if she failed to further explain her written apology made last Friday.

In her apology, Mrs Hodge apologised "unreservedly" for the gaff.

Mrs Hodge was forced to make a humiliating apology for the remarks made in a letter to Gavyn Davies, the BBC chairman.

Mr Panton was in care when Mrs Hodge was leader of Islington Borough Council during the 1980s.

Mrs Hodge said last night: "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.

"Solicitors for Mr Panton and myself have been in discussion today to work out the practical implications of those three requests.

"I can now confirm that 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."

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