Boyle announces damages for charity

Comedian Frankie Boyle has said he is giving the damages he won from a libel fight with a tabloid newspaper to a prisoner justice charity.

On Monday a High Court jury awarded Boyle more than £54,000 damages after concluding that he had been defamed by the Daily Mirror in an article describing him as "Racist comedian Frankie Boyle".

Boyle, 40, from Glasgow, said he had sued because he had always "made a point" of being "anti-racist".

He posted a message on social networking site Twitter last night saying: "Here's the good people I'm giving my damages to. They do a lot of inspiring work. Have a look if you get a minute. reprieve.org.uk."

Reprieve provides legal support to prisoners who are unable to pay for it themselves, the charity's website says.

A statement reads: "We promote the rule of law around the world, and secure each person's right to a fair trial. And in doing so, we save lives."

The websites says Reprieve prioritises the cases of prisoners accused of the most extreme crimes as they are "most likely to have their human rights jettisoned or eroded".

Jurors ruled in Boyle's favour after a week-long trial in London.

He gave a V-for-victory sign as he left court and said he was "very happy" with the decision.

"Racism is still a very serious problem in society which is why I've made a point of always being anti-racist in my life and work and that's why I brought this action."