Seven Network has been successful in defending Network Ten’s actions against the company over John Stephens.

The Supreme Court dismissed Ten’s application for an injunction to prevent Stephens continuing to work for Seven on May 29.

The court found that Stephens did not breach an agreement, and accordingly that Seven did not induce Stephens to breach that agreement as Ten had claimed.

Ten’s claims were dismissed. The Court specifically said that it did not take Ten’s “extraordinary” attempt to in effect purchase an injunction into account.

Seven stated: “We are pleased that this annoying attempt at distraction by Ten is concluded. We are pleased that Mr Stephens is able to continue to work for Seven and not take up the generous offer from Ten to be paid for two years to do nothing. This offer undoubtedly would have set a new precedent for our industry.”

John Stephens commented: “The past few weeks have been a chapter in my life I could have certainly lived without and perhaps both Ten and Seven feel the same way. It is disappointing the situation had to progress all the way to the Supreme Court, but I guess that is part of the competitive nature of our business. Regardless, I am relieved the legal stoush is now done and dusted and I can now concentrate more fully on my consultancy role with Seven. I have been a part of a great team and its success over the past decade and I am looking forward to continuing to be a part of this team.”