Some of the alleged abuse victims of Hey Dad! actor Robert Hughes are fighting his efforts to get copies of their media interviews.
Hughes is facing 11 charges relating to the indecent assault of five girls in Sydney between 1984 and 1990.
Downing Centre Local Court has heard two of them have given interviews about the accusations against him.
His lawyer, Greg Walsh, told the court subpoenas have been issued for access to the interviews and other material related to them.
But lawyers representing the alleged victims said the information is protected under Sexual Assault Communication Privilege.
Magistrate Jane Culver adjourned the case until later this month.
Outside court, Mr Walsh said the information is an important part of his client's defence, and that the women have been paid for the interviews.
"Despite the fact that these interviews have been published to the world ... it appears that there's a privilege maintained there," he said.
"So we have to give them an opportunity to look at the material and decide whether that privilege is going to be maintained or not."
Mr Walsh said the court case is putting a lot of pressure on Hughes.
"His wife is giving him tremendous support, but naturally a person in his position is doing it pretty tough," he said.
Hughes is excused from his next court appearance.
He returned to Australia after being arrested in London in 2012.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-02/lawyers-for-hey-dad21-actor-trying-to-get-interview-material/4794774
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