No case to answer for Murdoch friend

Former lawyer Andrew Fraser has had a charge of illegally communicating with outback killer Bradley John Murdoch withdrawn, but the Seven Network and reporter Rahni Sadler still face action over a controversial interview aired last year.

In the Darwin Magistrates Court on Thursday, charges of illegally communicating with a prisoner were dropped against Fraser, who has a terminal illness, on public interest grounds.

Charges had been laid against Fraser, the television network and Sadler in relation to a conversation with Murdoch, which was broadcast on the Sunday Night program on July 31 last year.

In the NT it is illegal to communicate with a prisoner without the permission of the director of the Northern Territory Correctional Services.

The offence can carry a maximum penalty of two years in jail or a fine of $2,329.

The interview made headlines because Murdoch, found guilty of the 2001 killing of English traveller Peter Falconio in the Northern Territory, was recorded speaking with Andrew Fraser, who is a friend of the convicted man.

The story went ahead with the permission of Mr Fraser, and Murdoch was recorded denying involvement in the killing.

The case against Sadler and the Seven Network was adjourned until May 29.

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