Friday, 23 October 2009

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John Travolta ‘upset' over mistrial

Actor wants closure following son's death

John Travolta testified in court during the trial

John Travolta is disappointed the trial of two people accused of trying to extort money from him has collapsed.

Ex-senator Pleasant Bridgewater and paramedic Tarino Lightbourne, of the Bahamas, are alleged to have demanded $25million (£15m) from the star following the death of his son Jett, 16.

But Supreme Court Justice Anita Allen declared a mistrial on Wednesday after Bahamian politician Picewell Forbes claimed on live TV that one of the accused had been cleared.

‘John was upset as he wanted closure,' his lawyer Mike Ossi tells People.

‘The family wants to privately begin the long and difficult healing process - as well as to properly honour Jett's memory - without the cloud of this litigation over their heads.

‘But he said he is committed to cooperating with authorities so justice can be served.'

Meanwhile, Picewell is due to speak to Judge Allen today to explain why he made the announcement as he could be held in contempt of court.

‘My client did not have direct or indirect communication with any members of the jury,' his lawyer Anthony McKinney tells CNN.

A new trial date has not yet been set.

Pleasant Bridgewater and Tarino Lightbourne deny the charges.

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