The story spoke to a woman,Crystal White,who claimed Dr Laming took a photo of her bottom on his mobile phone while she bent down to fill a fridge with drinks at a landscape supply business in Brisbane.
Dr Laming argues the report defamed him in several ways,including by suggesting he took a lewd photo of Ms White without her knowledge or consent,that he is “lecherous” in taking an indecent photo,and that he is “a pervert” who took a photo “for his own sexual gratification”.
It is argued the report also defamed Dr Laming by suggesting he attempted to befriend the woman so she would not complain,that he bullied two women online which caused one to contemplate suicide,that he should be expelled from the Liberal National Party,and that the public needed to be warned about him “for their own protection”.
In court documents,Dr Laming’s lawyers say he has “suffered substantial hurt,distress and embarrassment”,including being the subject of a police investigation which ultimately determined there wasno evidence to indicate a criminal offence.
It is alleged the accusations were not put to Dr Laming before publication,and were presented in a “sensational,accusatory and spiteful tone”. Dr Laming is seeking damages,interest and costs,as well as an order that Nine be permanently restrained from repeating such claims in the future.
Nine is relying on the defences of truth,contextual truth,qualified privilege and honest opinion.
In its defence,filed on Thursday,Nine argues it is substantially true to say Dr Laming used his mobile phone to take a photo of a woman’s bottom while she bent down with her underwear exposed,and that he is a “creep” who is “unfit to be a member of Parliament”.