Peter Mitchell avoids contempt charge

Seven News presenter Peter Mitchell has avoided being charged with contempt of court after going off-script earlier this month when referring to an upcoming murder trial.

Last week the Melbourne presenter gave a sincere apology to the Victorian Supreme Court, joined by news director Simon Pristel and Seven Melbourne managing director Lewis Martin.

Will Houghton, QC, appearing for Seven and Mitchell, said the words used were ‘‘not part of the script’’ and not meant to be used, offering a “sincere and genuine apology.”

Today Justice Lex Lasry accepted the mistake was not deliberate and would not refer the matter to the Department of Public Prosecutions.

Source: Fairfax