But dropping the case and admitting you lied and made it all up are different things "...for wasting their time with what I now realise were unfounded allegations. In particular, I apologise to Mr Dennis for suggesting that he is, or was, either racist or homophobic, or that he ever made any remarks or performed any actions that would suggest that he was. I feel great remorse for the upset that I now realise I have needlessly caused to him" That suggests to me that the guy knew he was in the wrong, so suggesting he was paid off is a bit of a stretch. Regardless, I'm sure the News of the World will run his story in, erm, about three years time