LA Church 'agrees abuse pay deal'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6899391.stm

More than 500 people allegedly abused by Los Angeles Catholic priests are to receive a record-breaking compensation pay-out, their main lawyer says.

The deal, which a judge must approve, is reported to be worth $660m (£324m).

With the alleged abuse dating back to the 1940s, lawyer Ray Boucher said it was payment of a long overdue debt.

Cardinal Roger Mahony, the leader of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, later apologised to the victims, pledging that the abuse "will not happen again".

"There really is no way to go back and give them that innocence that was taken from them. The one thing I wish I could give the victims... I cannot," Cadrinal Mahony said.