The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Western Australia has ruled in favour of Nyamal man Terrance Flowers after he brought a defamation claim against Channel Seven.
On November 3rd last year, the network wrongly identified Mr Flowers as the abductor of four-year-old Cleo Smith in television and online reports.
The network's digital arm published a two-line apology to its website that night, while television broadcasts later acknowledged the error.
Mr Flowers, who is from Karratha, is also known by his mother's maiden name Kelly. Carnarvon man Terence Darrell Kelly plead guilty to kidnapping the toddler last month.
Today, Justice Peter Quinlan ruled in favour of Mr Flowers, who was represented in court by barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC.
Speaking with Ngaarda Media, Mr Flowers said he was happy it's all over.
"Thank you for the support from the lawyers ... and all the Aboriginal people out there," he said.
O'Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors also released a statement.
"The judgment was entered pursuant to consent orders agreed to by the parties. The Judge noted that the proceedings had otherwise settled on confidential terms. The Judge congratulated the parties on reaching a resolution," it read.
"Mr. Flowers' lawyers, O'Brien Criminal and Civil Solicitors, stated that they and their client are very happy with the settlement and that Mr. Flowers is looking forward to getting on with his life and enjoying time with his wife and baby son.
"Mr. Flowers' lawyers respectfully request that the privacy of Mr. Flowers and his family is respected."
7 News published photos of Terry Flowers to their social platforms and website.
