Judge criticises Kennett, Stokes in Amber Harrison injunction.
But judge also doubted Harrison would abide by confidentiality agreements with Seven.
- Published by David Knox
- on
- Filed under News
The judge at yesterday’s injunction hearing between Seven and ex-employee Amber Harrison has today criticised Seven West Media chairman Kerry Stokes and board member Jeff Kennett.
Justice Robert McDougall, who ruled the temporary injunction remains until March 3rd, said, “Seven was using, and is working to continue using, the injunction to vilify Ms Harrison at a time when she (Ms Harrison) could not respond.”
Kennett had responded to Harrison on social media whilst she was under an injunction, spoken on radio and written articles in the press. Kerry Stokes accused Harrison of theft during a phone conference with journalists last week.
“I don’t think the media campaign Mr Kennett waged was well advised,” he said.
But he also indicated Harrison had breached at least some of her confidentiality agreement with the network and doubted she could be trusted.
“There is a mass of evidence showing that Harrison has threatened to destroy Mr Worner’s career and reputation apparently as some sort of revenge for what she sees as the wrongs done to her,” Justice McDougall said.
“(They) descended into … accusation and counter accusation,” Justice McDougall said.
He said that unless restrained, Ms Harrison was likely to continue releasing Seven documents that would breach her agreement with the company.
Justice McDougall also said the affair “shed light on the way corporate governance was carried out at Channel 7”.
He added that Seven was not in breach of its side of the agreement, because Ms Harrison had refused to release mobile devices and electronic records.
The injunction hearing will continue in the NSW Supreme Court on March 3.
3 Responses
Kerry Stokes is a hypocrite. Years ago, he fired Stan Grant and Tracey Holmes for having an affair, now he’s standing up for Wornor even when he had an affair with Harrison.
is that joker Kennet still involved in the Beyond Blue organization?? its an absolute disgrace as he has always been a bully, what sort of an effect do you think that has on someones mental health Jeff?
As for the consenting couple involved, they seem to be just as bad as each other, her mildly so for playing the victim & wanting to put 100% blame on the other person. But other people should not be sticking their nose in.
The judge made a lot of sense. But he didn’t act on it. Time for a major communications review. After all, they do use a national resource for free.