Expert panel seeks to appeal libel ruling

The expert panel led by Northumbria University professor of social work Richard Barker, which investigated child abuse claims on behalf of Newcastle city council and was then sued for libel when its results were published, is making an application for appeal against this week's High Court judgment.

The judge awarded two nursery nurses the maximum £200,000 each in libel damages and said the panel had promulgated "what was recognised within days to be a specious and disreputable document".

Northumbria University said Professor Barker had acted independently on the case and was not representing the university.