Ex-detective sues over Jonestown book claims
A FORMER NSW detective and close associate of broadcaster Alan Jones is suing the author and publisher of Jonestown, claiming the controversial biography falsely portrays him as a drunk, incompetent and corrupt police officer.
A FORMER NSW detective and close associate of broadcaster Alan Jones is suing the author and publisher of Jonestown, claiming the controversial biography falsely portrays him as a drunk, incompetent and corrupt police officer.
Tim Priest, who left the force in 2002, has filed a writ in the NSW Supreme Court against author Chris Masters and Allen & Unwin. The statement of claim lists eight imputations that are said to have defamed the former police officer.
Mr Priest's lawyer, Mark O'Brien - who successfully scared off the ABC in June by threatening to sue its books division if it published Jonestown - said yesterday the biography made "grave imputations concerning (Priest's) conduct as a police officer".
In the book, Masters says Mr Priest's chequered history - including claims the detective was so drunk before making an arrest he fell out of the squad car, and another tale of accepting a $1500 bribe - made him a curious favourite of Jones.
Masters said last night he would vigorously contest the action. The matter is listed for a directions hearing in the NSW Supreme Court on March 2.
A spokesman for Allen & Unwin did not return calls.
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