OWEN OYSTON threw in the towel this week and settled out of court the damages claim by the young fashion model he is now serving six years for raping.

But, say his legal advisers, he hasn't given up the fight to clear his name. His solicitor-advocate David Price said: "Owen's litigation to prove his innocence continues."

Oyston's team had prepared for a 10-day hearing in the High Court at Birmingham and most observers were stunned when settlement was reached after 24 hours of behind-the-scenes negotiations.

The East Lancashire woman, aged 23, who cannot be named for legal reasons alleged in her claim that she had been left with permanent psychological damage after the late-night rape at Oyston's baronial hall at Claughton, near Lancaster. She had also claimed for loss of earnings, alleging she was so traumatised by the attack that she would not be able to work again.

When Mr Justice Smedley agreed to the settlement the woman, who had earlier been in tears outside the court, hugged two male companions and smiled.

Oyston, owner of Blackpool Football Club is nearly half-way through his six-year sentence and is serving his time in the closed section of Wealstun Prison in South Yorkshire.

How much did the settlement cost Oyston?

Certainly less than the £500,000 figure quantified by a member of the plaintiff's legal team at an early stage of the proceedings and probably nearer to £100,000.

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