NSW: Marsden gets adjournment

AAP General News (Australia)
12-08-1999
NSW: Marsden gets adjournment

Sydney solicitor JOHN MARSDEN won't have to cross-examine witnesses who've made sex
claims against him, after a judge ruled it would be manifestly unfair not giving him
an adjournment.

Mr MARSDEN, who's suing Channel 7 for defamation, has asked for an adjournment - at
the completion of damages evidence from his witnesses - until the beginning of the law
term next year.

MARSDEN's witnesses could finish in the next few days allowing evidence from Channel
7's witnesses to start and continue until the end of the law year on December 17.

But Mr MARSDEN told the judge his barrister, IAN BARKER, QC, wasn't available until
next year and if Channel 7's witnesses came on he'd have to cross-examine them.

He's told Justice DAVID LEVINE in the New South Wales Supreme Court that it would be
extremely unjust and unfair for him to deal with witnesses.

He says they've made horrendous allegations against him such as whippings, which he
says he's never heard of.

A jury's found Channel 7 defamed Mr MARSDEN in programs broadcast in March 1995 and
May 1996, which made claims he had sex with 15-year-old male prostitutes.

AAP RTV mss/sb/as/jn

KEYWORD: MARSDEN (SYDNEY)

1999 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.