Cool FM DJ paid libel damages

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Radio presenter Sonya Mac has been paid "substantial" out-of-court damages in a libel case.

So-called 'shock jock' Joe Ferguson and his former employers Citybeat also issued a public apology to Ms Mac

The Cool FM DJ issued court proceedings following comments made about her on the Joe Ferguson Show which was broadcast on 1 December 2004.

Ms Mac said: "I am just glad that it's all over and that they have apologised. That's all I wanted."

During the broadcast, the DJ questioned Ms Mac's professionalism as well as launching a verbal tirade against her.

'Shock jock' Joe Ferguson was not in court

She was claiming damages for libel on the grounds her reputation was damaged and she suffered hurt and embarrassment due to Mr Ferguson's comments.

On Monday at the High Court in Belfast, a jury was sworn in and the hearing was listed for four days.

However, minutes before it was due to start a barrister acting on behalf of Mr Ferguson, who was not in court, told Mr Justice Treacy that the case had been settled out of court.

In a joint statement issued by Mr Ferguson and Citybeat, the court was told: "They have agreed to pay substantial damaged for the distress she (Ms Mac) has suffered and also to pay her (court) costs."