Justin Bieber paparazzo case dismissed
2012-11-15 08:16
Los Angeles - A judge has dismissed a charge against a photographer accused of recklessly pursuing Justin Bieber.
Freelancer Paul Raef was the first person charged under a new California law targeting reckless driving by paparazzi seeking shots of celebrities.
Los Angeles Judge Thomas Rubinson dismissed the charge on Wednesday after hearing arguments from an attorney for Raef.
Rubinson said the law is overly broad and he cited numerous problems with its construction. Raef's attorneys argued the law was unconstitutional.
The photographer still faces counts for reckless driving and for following other cars too closely.
Prosecutors allege he chased Bieber at more than 80 mph (128 km/h) and forced other motorists to avoid collisions while Raef tried to get shots of the teen heartthrob.
Raef has not yet entered a plea in the case.
Bieber, who was pulled over by police for speeding, told officers at the time that he
was being hounded by paparazzi, and police said they noticed Raef's car
following him.
The Canadian singer received a speeding ticket at the time.