Mrs Lawrence said the apology set the record straight

The book Steve and Me was written by Duwayne Brooks, who was with Stephen when he was killed in Eltham in 1993.

Doreen Lawrence, who was not at the High Court, said she was "attacked in an appalling way" and "horrible and untruthful" things were said.

Time-Life Entertainent Group apologised and agreed to pay an undisclosed sum.

Ms Moorman told the court: "The impression which the book gives of Stephen's home life and the claimant as a parent is mistaken.

I was attacked in this book in an appalling way. Horrible and untruthful things were said about me. Doreen Lawrence

"In particular, although Stephen was expected back home at a reasonable time, there were no circumstances in which he faced being deliberately locked out of the house and Stephen was always properly fed."

The book also implied Mrs Lawrence excluded Mr Brooks from her son's memorial service, she said.

But Ms Moorman said: "In fact, she was concerned for him and she did inquire after him although it is understood that Duwayne Brooks was unaware of this.

"Moreover, the memorial service was open to everyone and Duwayne Brooks did in fact attend.

'Record straight'

In a statement Mrs Lawrence said the money would be given to charity.

She also said: "I was attacked in this book in an appalling way. Horrible and untruthful things were said about me.

"Now an apology has been made which sets the record straight."

Ms Moorman said another payment would be made by the publishers and given to a charity of Mr Brooks's choosing.