Judge's plea to Madonna and Guy Ritchie in custody dispute over son Rocco

A High Court judge has pleaded with Madonna and her ex-husband Guy Ritchie to resolve a legal dispute over the future of their 15-year-old son Rocco.

Mr Justice MacDonald said on Monday that it would be a "tragedy" if any more of the "fast receding days" of the teenager's childhood were taken up by the dispute.

The judge said the youngster was a "very great credit" to his parents.

He said it would be better if Madonna and Mr Ritchie could each spend time enjoying his company.

The dispute relates to where the teenager should live.

Judges have heard that Rocco had remained in London with his father after a visit.

Madonna wants the teenager to return to live with her in the US.

Litigation had begun in London and the United States.

Mr Justice MacDonald made his plea for peace after ruling that the English proceedings could be halted.

The judge analysed the latest round of the dispute at a private hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London earlier this month.

He was asked to decide whether he should allow English proceedings to draw to a close - or whether he should make decisions about Rocco's welfare.

More court hearings are expected to be held in New York.