Snapper cleared of bugging Nicole Kidman

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2007

SYDNEY (AFP) — Australian prosecutors on Thursday dropped charges against a paparazzi photographer accused of planting a bugging device outside the Sydney mansion of movie siren Nicole Kidman.

Prosecutors asked a Sydney magistrate for permission to withdraw the charge against Jamie Fawcett of illegally possessing a listening device with intent to bug a conversation.

After the ruling Fawcett, 46, who was charged two years ago with concealing a microphone in bushes opposite Kidman's harbourside home, denied that he and the Oscar winning beauty were locked in a feud.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Helen Syme scrapped the charge just four days before Fawcett's trial had been due to begin.

The snapper was elated, telling reporters that he welcomed the case being...