Kidman bug charges withdrawn

Prosecutors have withdrawn charges against a photographer accused of planting a listening device outside the Sydney mansion of Hollywood star Nicole Kidman.

In the Downing Centre Local Court today, a lawyer for the Director of Public Prosecutions asked Deputy Chief Magistrate Helen Syme to withdraw the two charges against Jamie Fawcett. Mr Fawcett had been accused of possessing a listening device outside Kidman's house in the harbourside suburb of Darling Point in January 2005.

Security staff allegedly found a listening device covered in plastic wrap, submerged in water, and hidden by foliage across the road from the house. The magistrate adjourned the issue of Mr Fawcett's legal costs to Monday.