ACA reporter in ‘hitman’ courtcase

A courtcase over the 2008 A Current Affair story in which reporter Ben Fordham (pictured, right) played the role of a ‘hitman’ is this week being heard in the NSW Supreme Court.

Fordham, producer Andrew Byrne (pictured, left) and the Nine Network are facing summons for breaching the Listening Devices Act.

The story secretly filmed a former mayor of Waverley, James Markham, allegedly hiring Fordham to kill a male prostitute.

In May 2008, ACA broadcast footage and audio of the meeting, during which Fordham admitted Markham had been unaware he was being recorded.

Crown prosecutor John Pickering told the court on Tuesday, “The crown case will be in dealing with lawful interest that Ben Fordham … had no lawful interest in involving himself in this matter to record a conversation with James Markham.

“The crown case will be that the intention of Mr Fordham was to create a good story, and that that was the interest he had, and not any lawful interest at all.”

Police later arrested Markham who is now being prosecuted on charges of soliciting murder. But the court also heard due to his failing health Markham would not be able to give evidence.

Fordham remains regarded at Nine where he has also filed for 60 Minutes. After fronting several stories on Michael Clarke and Lara Bingle recently, he also hosted Monday night’s edition of ACA in the absence of Tracy Grimshaw.

Nine has said it will vigorously defend the charges.

The case continues.

Source: smh.com.au