ABC reporter charged, moved to prison hospital

Updated: The ABC’s news director John Cameron will travel to Singapore early this week to seek answers from South Asia correspondent Peter Lloyd.

Australian TV reporter Peter Lloyd, charged with drug trafficking in Singapore, has been moved from a local hospital to a prison medical facility, staff at the institutions said.

A hospital spokeswoman said Lloyd was discharged at 1am Melbourne time yesterday.

“He has been offered bail. His case has been fixed for next mention on July 25, 2008,” Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau spokesman Agnes Lim said.

A former ABC colleague said Lloyd was extremely generous and dedicated to his children. I just think he’s had a midlife crisis,” the colleague said.

Former ABC TV reporter Jacinta Tynan said she was shocked and worried for Lloyd.

“I looked up to and learned from him as a senior reporter – he is extremely hard-working and dedicated to his job and a genuinely lovely person. As a former colleague, I am shocked by the news and concerned for him,” she said.

A journalist who worked alongside Lloyd in Bangkok described him as intelligent and generous.

“He gets on with everybody and is also quick to help other reporters,” the reporter said.

“He is committed and passionate about the Asia-Pacific region and worked really, really hard. He just is a really good journalist and everyone is shocked.”

“The ABC’s Director of News, John Cameron, will be in Singapore early this week and is hoping to be able to speak directly to Peter,” an ABC statement said.

“An ABC lawyer has been sent to Singapore to ensure appropriate legal representation for Mr Lloyd.”

Source: Herald Sun/ The Age