Ex-cop loses case against 'Underbelly'

Former policewoman Wendy Hatfield has lost her court case against Underbelly: The Golden Mile.

Hatfield, who recently claimed that she is defamed in the Australian crime book and therefore will be treated similarly in the TV show, has been denied permission to view the series before it is aired next month.

Judge Ian Harrison told The Daily Telegraph: "Not only is there, in the present case, real room for debate as to whether the statements complained of are defamatory, there is real room for debate as to whether or not there are any statements to complain of at all.

"It does not appear to me at present that the plaintiff may be entitled either to make a claim for damages for defamation against any of the defendants or that she may be entitled to make a claim for interlocutory relief to enjoin them from publication of the series."

It is believed that Hatfield will wait until the programme is broadcast before launching an action of defamation against the Nine Network and the show's production company.

Hatfield recently revealed that the book version of the story wrongly claims that she had a sexual relationship with Sydney nightclub owner John Ibrahim and was also guilty of misconduct.