[420 Girl]

Mercedes Corby, who won her defamation action against Channel Seven, says the court decision was "a major victory for me and my family". Speaking on the steps of the NSW Supreme Court today, she said the truth was more important than television ratings.

"Living with these disgusting allegations has been very hurtful," she said.

"It is sad that a hunt for ratings overtakes the truth. Ratings are important but the truth is more important. I hope that when they attack somebody again, they will realise that it is real people that the hurt."

In the defamation case which took just over four weeks, the court heard evidence that Mercedes Corby's former best friend, Jodie Power, had accused her of heavy involvement in drugs. Ms Power also alleged that other members of the Corby family were involved. A jury last night found that a total of 28 defamatory meanings had been conveyed in three Today Tonight programs and a television news story in February last year.

Of the seven defamatory meanings that Channel Seven and its co-defendants sought to defend on the grounds they were true, the jury found that only one - that Ms Corby was guilty of the crime of possessing marijuana - had been established. Today, Ms Corby said that she was relieved that the matter was over and that she had had a chance "to clear myself in a court of law".

Ms Corby thanked her legal team lead by Stuart Littlemore, QC, and her friends and family for their support.

"I am looking forward to rejoining my husband and two beautiful children and my sister Schapelle, but I will be giving evidence in the damages phase of my case," she said.

In court today, Tom Hughes, QC, representing Channel Seven, told Justice Carolyn Simpson that the defence would not be pressing for "contextual justification" of the defamations. At that point, Justice Simpson discharged the jury. The matter will return to court at 2 pm on Monday for submissions on damages, which will be determined by the judge.

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