The defamatory libel matter against veteran journalist and Managing Editor of the Sierra Leone daily, 'Independent Observer', may result in an out of court settlement following the intervention of members of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), as well as friends of both the accused, Jonathan Leigh and complainant, Momoh Konte.

Both the accused and the complainant were yesterday seen interacting outside the courtroom in a friendly atmosphere immediately after the matter was adjourned by Magistrate Seray Wurie of Court No. 2. During the proceedings in court, Magistrate Wurie described the publication allegedly written against him by the accused as "libelous", for which he said he has the right to also bring-up a case against the journalist.

"But I will not do that; I am very frank, which is why I don't even have a friend," the magistrate stated. "I am here to dispense justice and not to mix-up matters. I only want Mr. Leigh to leave me alone; I am not against him and he should understand that this matter is in court and he should allow the matter to continue."

Defence lawyer R.A.D. Jones said he will talk to his client with regards to future publication on the  matter. Lead prosecuting counsel, Ajibola Manely-Spaine, said they have their witness in court but [would not bring him forward to testify] because there have been interventions by some individuals to settle the matter out of court.

He pleaded for an adjournment which was granted by the magistrate. The matter comes again up on August 29.