SETTLE MADDIE COP LIBEL FIGHT

Court’s plea in battle over vile ’cover-up’ claim

- JERRY LAWTON

MADELEINE McCann’s parents have been told to settle their 12-year libel fight with a detective who alleged they covered up her death.

Gerry and Kate McCann, both 53, were originally awarded £436,000 by a Portuguese court the over claims made in a best-selling book by former Portuguese police officer Goncalo Amaral.

But the decision was overturned on appeal, with judges saying Amaral, 61, was entitled to express his opinions under his right to freedom of speech.