Photo: WENN.com
Tulisa Contastavlos' drug trial has collapsed due to a "strong belief" that Sun journalist Mazher Mahmood had lied at a hearing. He has now been suspended by the broadsheet.
The N-Dubz singer, turned solo artist spoke of "relief" that the case had ended during a short statement on the courtroom steps. She urged police to "put an end to his deceits", saying "my life has been ruined". She had been accused of brokering a drug deal between rapper Mike GLC and Sun reporter Mahmood.
The collapse of the case also means that GLC (real name Michael Coombs) walks free along with Tulisa, as the judge also ruled that the charges against him were unsustainable. This follows on from his previous guilty plea of supplying half an ounce (13.8g) of cocaine.
Turning to the jury, the judge stated that legal proceedings would be halted, due to a "strong belief" that Mahzer Mahmood had lied at a hearing before the trial. He said the case simply "cannot go any further" while 26-year-old Contostavlos reportedly smiled in the dock.
Last year saw Sun journalist Mahmood pose as a wealthy film producer named Samir Khan in an undercover sting on the N Dubz singer. He met her frequently at luxury hotels and reportedly offered her lucrative film roles whilst playing the role.
A spokesperson for the Sun newspaper commented: "We are very disappointed with this outcome, but do believe the original investigation was conducted within the bounds of the law and the industry's Code. This was demonstrated by the CPS decision to prosecute."
