The NSW Supreme Court yesterday heard a claim that Mercedes Corby, sister of convicted Bali drug smuggler Schapelle, was “driven” out of Australia last year because of constant “harassment and stalking” by the Seven Network’s “agents”.

Ms Corby is suing the network and other parties, claiming Today Tonight defamed her in a series of segments broadcast in February last year.

She claims a former Corby family friend, Jodie Power, made defamatory allegations during an interview for which she was paid $120,000.

Tom Hughes, QC, for Seven, sought an order for Ms Corby to lodge a “moderate” sum of money with the court as “security for costs”.

But Stuart Littlemore, QC, (formerly of Media Watch) for Ms Corby, noted evidence from Seven’s solicitor, indicated their legal bill to date was $800,000. “This is not about costs (but about) the stultification of Mercedes Corby’s right to have her case brought,” he said.

In his evidence, Seven solicitor Angus Wilson confirmed that Channel Seven had hired a private investigator for two days last year to carry out surveillance work on Ms Corby on the Gold Coast.

Corby’s solicitor, Bill Kalantzis, said she left the country “due to the constant harassment, stalking and pursuit” of her by employees and agents of Channel Seven.

In related news Queensland’s chief justice has ordered an investigation under section 180 of the Proceeds of Crime Act as to whether Schapelle Corby has profited from the crimes of her sister.

The matter involves the payment of more than $280,000 for Schapelle Corby’s book on her drug ordeal in Bali and an interview with the magazine New Idea.

Source: AAP
ABC Online