Seven West wins case against AFP over Corby raids
Seven West Media says it may sue Federal Police for trespass and false imprisonment after armed raids on its Sydney offices in February were ruled invalid.
The company will also look to redress costs, following what's been described as "a victory for free speech".
"We abhor the notion that it is apparently fine to seize journalists' correspondence, notes or contact lists," Seven West CEO Tim Worner said in a statement this afternoon.
"Today’s decision in the Federal Court underlines our commitment to the reporting and telling of stories that matter."
Almost 40 officers armed with guns and pepper spray raided Seven West's head office in Sydney last month and the offices of Sunday Night and Pacific Magazines.
It followed speculation convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby may have breached the Proceeds of Crime Act by engaging in paid interviews following her release from a Bali prison.
This morning search warrants relating to the company's dealings with Corby were deemed invalid.
Legal papers state that Seven and Schapelle's sister Mercedes Corby had not been suspected of committed an offence.
Last month's raids came a week after Schapelle was release from Kerobokan Prison where she had served nine years behind bars.
On February 11, Seven was ordered to produce any documents relating to arrangements of the publication of a story on Corby.
A number of documents were produced three days later, including a January letter from New Idea to Mercedes, confirming an agreement for an exclusive interview, the Federal Court judgment states.
The AFP executed a number of search warrants in Sydney on February 18, in relation to an "ongoing Proceeds of Crime Act matter".
The AFP had previously apologised admitting it falsely claimed a company lawyer was a crime suspect.
It said the error was regrettable and an "innocent word-processing" mistake.
Corby's sister Mercedes, who is suing the AFP, said she is delighted with today's outcome.
The Corby's family lawyer, Bill Kalantzis, said the warrants should never have been issued.
"The decision to quash them by a Federal Court is a just one," Kalantzis said.
The AFP is considering whether or not to appeal.
Indonesia's justice minister has since banned Schapelle Corby from conducting any interviews with the media.
Amir Syamsuddin said the Corby family requested she be able to tell her story, but it was rejected because the money would make Indonesians 'jealous'.
If Corby does talk about her ordeal, she will be in breach of her parole and will go back to jail.
