The latest development in the trial of ex-racehorse owner David Brooks is that defense attorneys are looking to get U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert to force Newsday reporter Robert E. Kessler to reveal the sources which divulged Brooks' complaint of his treatment in the Nassau
County jail.
According to an article by Newsday, the defense has stated that the information regarding Brooks' complaint was contained in a sealed motion. The leak was "a very serious matter, particularly during jury deliberations," Newsday has quoted defense attorney Richard Levitt as saying.
"Clearly there is a public interest in the subject of the article, how the government is treating defendants in custody," said Newsday attorney Amanda Leith, who also stated that Kessler is exercising his reportorial privilege to protect confidential sources.
The Newsday article explained that the publication is going to be objecting to having Kessler questioned over the source, and that the issue will be touched on again this coming Monday.
Brooks is currently on trial for an alleged nine-figure fraud against his former body armour company.
(With files from newsday.com)
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