Today Tonight producer ordered to appear after murder trial is halted

A murder trial underway in Sydney has stopped following a Today Tonight crew “ambushing” the accused, Simon Gittany, outside the court.

Gittany is accused of throwing his Canadian-born fiancée Lisa Harnum off a Sydney high rise after she tried to leave him in July two years ago.

News Corp reports the camera crew allegedly approached Gittany and his girlfriend this morning and asked him: “Why are you so jealous? Why are you so controlling? We are going to do a program on you tonight.”

The defence raised concerns about a promo on YouTube for Today Tonight stating, “Explosive new evidence revealed in the Simon Gittany case, who is accused of throwing his fiancee off their 15th floor balcony”.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports Justice Lucy McCallum has ordered the producer of the show, Vanda Carson, to appear with legal representation before the NSW Supreme Court.

“I am extremely concerned about these matters,” Justice McCallum said.

“Reporting of anything other than evidence given in the trial could may well be in contempt of court.

“It is simply appalling if the person was a journalist.”

Comment has been sought from Seven.