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Media Release - 29 May 2008 - Statement by the Director of Public Prosecutions Concerning Television Series 'Underbelly'

A Supreme Court jury today convicted Evangelos Goussis of the murder of Lewis Moran. As a result of the verdict, the orders previously made by Justice Betty King and the Court of Appeal prohibiting the publication of the television series 'Underbelly' or any part of it in Victoria cease to have effect.

However, due to there being a number of criminal proceedings pending in Victoria which could be adversely affected if 'Underbelly' were to be shown, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Jeremy Rapke QC, today cautioned members of the public and commercial organisations from deliberately publishing any part of 'Underbelly' in Victoria. He said that he would take whatever steps were necessary to ensure that accused persons involved in those cases received a fair trial free of any adverse publicity.

Mr Rapke said - "I will not hesitate to take contempt of court proceedings against any person or organisation that deliberately publishes 'Underbelly' or any part of it".

Any enquiries should be directed to the Office of Public Prosecutions Media Liaison Unit.