A judge in Australia has dismissed a sexual harassment case against former Speaker of the Federal Parliament Peter Slipper, saying a political rival colluded to abuse the judicial process.
Mr Slipper has welcomed Wednesday's ruling, saying he has always maintained the case was designed to damage his reputation and political career, as well as advancing the interests of the Liberal-National Coalition.
Justice Steven Rares ruled the case brought against Mr Slipper by one of his staff members was an "abuse of process", declaring that its predominant purpose was to cause "significant public, reputational and political damage".
"To allow these proceedings to remain in the court would bring the administration of justice into disrepute among right-thinking people and would be manifestly unfair to Mr Slipper," he said in his judgement.
In a statement Mr Slipper said: "I feel vindicated by today's judgement. "The past eight months have been extremely traumatic for my wife, family and me."
Mr Slipper stood aside from his post in April after James Ashby accused him of harassment, including that he made unwanted sexual comments and encouraged him to shower with the door open while staying at the Speaker's Canberra flat, the ABC reports.
Outside the court, Mr Ashby said he was "extremely disappointed" with the Federal Court's decision and indicated he would lodge an appeal.
"This has been a very harrowing time for me and my family, my friends and supporters," he told reporters.
"We first filed my sexual harassment complaint against Mr Slipper back on April 20 and that is almost eight months ago - eight months.
"Since that date no evidence at all has been heard of my substantive complaint against the former Speaker that he sexually harassed me.
"There's been a determined campaign to try and prevent the substantive allegations being heard and judged in open court and to put me to the maximum cost in pursuing justice."
