‘Hewitt’s accusers may have colluded’- SABC
The NEWS was subpoenaed to appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court when Hewitt stood trial on the rape charges. Owing to claims of inaccurate reporting, the NEWS then took the decision to take the stand and defend its integrity.
SABC News today reported that it was in possession of correspondence showing that the three women who accused former tennis champion Bob Hewitt (75) of rape and sexual assault may have colluded prior to his trial.
In March, Hewitt was found guilty on two counts of rape and one of sexual assault. He was sentenced to an effective six years in jail. SABC reported, “The correspondence proves that all three of Hewitt’s accusers communicated extensively with one another before the trial.”
In court, the women testified that they had had limited contact with each another and had never discussed the case.
The national broadcaster also reported in correspondence between rape accuser Suellen Sheehan and state prosecutor Carina Coetzee, Coetzee warned Sheehan that her contradictory statements could compromise the case. Comment was requested from Ms Sheehan who referred the NEWS to Women and Men Against Child Abuse (read here).
The Bedfordview and Edenvale NEWS’ assistant editor, Charmaine Slater, was subpoenaed to appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court when Hewitt stood trial on the rape charges.
Slater was subpoenaed as a result of an article published by the NEWS in January 2012, following an interview she (Charmaine Slater) had conducted with Suellen Sheehan, who alleged she was sexually abused by Bob Hewitt.
Owing to these claims of inaccurate reporting, the NEWS then took the decision to take the stand and defend its integrity.
Below are photos of the emails, first published by SABC, which the national broadcaster reported indicates the women who accused Hewitt of sexual assault may have colluded prior to his trial.
Read the previous articles on Bob Hewitt here:
NEWS’ journalist subpoenaed to testify in Bob Hewitt trial
Slater concludes her testimony in Hewitt trial
Press accuracy defended in High Court
Let the facts speak for itself
Another woman claims Hewitt abused her
Former tennis star legend to apply for leave to appeal
Leave to appeal by Hewitt postponed
Hewitt restricted to his house
