Kidman restraining order lifted
2005-02-11 08:39
Sydney - An Australian court on Friday lifted restraining orders on the paparazzi taken out by actress Nicole Kidman but warned the photographers to give the Oscar-winning movie star a wide berth.
Magistrate Lee Gilmour expressed frustration that Kidman and the two freelance photographers Jamie Fawcett, 43, and Ben McDonald, 32, could not sort out their differences "like intelligent people" without resorting to the courts.
"We're looking at a lot of court time and a lot of court money for something I believe should be able to be settled without a court decision," she said.
Kidman took action against the photographers late last month, saying they had intimidated her and left her fearful of leaving her Sydney mansion.
It came after a bugging device was found near her home and a high-speed car chase through Sydney's streets which reportedly involved cars running red lights, swerving across median strips and driving on the wrong side of the road.
Gilmour lifted the restraining orders after the photographers agreed to give Kidman space and not take photographs within 500m from her Sydney mansion.
She said the voluntary undertakings would be on trial for three weeks, warning the photographers they would face severe restrictions if they did not abide by them.
"They will be so strict that you can forget Ms Kidman," she said.