Jury told ‘Channel Seven lies’

Channel Seven paid Jodie Power around $120,000 cash and an all-expenses paid overseas holiday claims a lawyer for Mercedes Corby.

Seven had used “chequebook journalism” in its “hunger for ratings” says Stuart Littlemore QC.

“There is really nothing Channel Seven will stop at in lying to its audience,” he said.

Littlemore, a former presenter for Media Watch, told a Sydney jury the former best friend of Schapelle Corby’s sister was motivated by “money, hatred and celebrity” to tell lies on national television.

He told the jury that the reporter and presenter of Channel 7’s Today Tonight show had conspired “to make the most sensational program they could by telling lies”.

Mercedes Corby has taken defamation action in the NSW Supreme Court against Channel Seven Sydney Pty Limited and five other parties, including her former best friend Jodie Power.

Her claim relates to three Today Tonight programs and one news bulletin, broadcast across Australia in February last year.

Mr Littlemore told the jury of three men and one woman that Ms Power lied in claiming Mercedes Corby was a drug smuggler.

“She hates Mercedes Corby, who was once her best friend,” he said.

“Money, hatred and celebrity motivated this woman. She is a woman with an unfortunate personal problem with drugs.”

The hearing is continuing.

Source: news.com.au