Irwin's widow sued over unpaid debts

Steve Irwin's widow Terri has lost the first stage of a court case seeking to reclaim unpaid debts.

Australia Zoo, a wildlife park run by Terri and her late husband Steve, reportedly owes more than £1.2 million to various banks. The case was originally filed last December by debt recovery agency Alyssa Treasury Services.

Judge Maree Kennedy of the County Court in southern Victoria state ruled against Terri Irwin's application to move the case to Queensland, where she lives and works at the zoo.

Terri recently claimed she had spoken to her late husband via celebrity medium John Edward.

"Crocodile Hunter" Steve died in September 2006 after being struck in the chest by a stingray barb.