Paul George Reading v ABC [2003] NSWSC 716

New South Wales Supreme Court

CITATION : Paul George Reading v ABC [2003] NSWSC 716 HEARING DATE(S) : 23/07/03; 24/07/03; 25/07/03 JUDGMENT DATE : 7 August 2003

JUDGMENT OF : Shaw J DECISION : Interlocutory orders made during the trial are confirmed.

CATCHWORDS : Practice and procedure - Interlocutory issues in trial - whether plaintiff can amend statement of claim - whether plaintiff can tender transcript of broadcast - whether jury should be discharged Defamation Act 1974 s 7A; LEGISLATION CITED : Evidence Act 1995 ss 55, 56, 135; Jury Act 1977 s 55E; Supreme Court Rules 1970 Pt 34, 67 Australian Iron and Steel Ltd v Greenwood (1961) 107 CLR 308; Butera v DPP (Vic) (1987) 164 CLR 180; Doe d' Lewis v Baster (1836) 5 Ad & El 129; 111 ER 1115; Drummoyne Municipal Council v Australian Broadcasting Corporation (1990) 21 NSWLR 135; Eve v Wright (1627) Cro Car 75; 79 ER 667; Griffith & Ors v ABC [2003] NSWSC 486; CASES CITED : Hepburn v TCN Channel 9 Pty Limited [1984] 1 NSWLR 386; Loveday's Case (1608) 8 Co Rep 65b; 77 ER 573; Papakosmas v The Queen (1999) 196 CLR 297 at 322; Parker v Laws [2002] NSWSC 311; Purcell v Cruising Yacht Club of Australia [2001] NSWSC 926; R v Russell (Unreported, Court of Appeal (Criminal Division), Dunn LJ, Michael Davies and Popplewell JJ, 20 March 1984; [1984] Crim LR 425); Weber v Birkett [1925] 2 KB 152; Whelan v John Fairfax and Sons Limited (1988) 12 NSWLR 148; PARTIES : Paul George Reading - Plaintiff Australian Broadcasting Corporation - Defendant FILE NUMBER(S) : SC 20206/02 COUNSEL : B McClintock, SC with M Richardson - Plaintiff B Walker, SC with R Francois - Defendant SOLICITORS : Corrs Chambers Westgarth Lawyers - Plaintiff ABC Legal - Defendant