COURT BRIEFS

WILKES-BARRE – A lawsuit filed nine years ago by a former Fairview Township couple against The Times Leader, a reporter, a photographer and a real estate agent was discontinued on Wednesday.

Patrick and Patrice Curley of Punta Gorda, Fla., filed the suit in 2003 claiming they were unable to sell their home on Farmhouse Road, Fairview Township, because of an article about home inspections that was published April 22, 2002.

The article written by staff writer Jerry Lynott, which was accompanied by photographs, chronicled an inspection of the home conducted on behalf of Glen and Deborah Manahan, potential purchasers, and provided information about a state law that set minimum standards for home-inspection companies.

The suit alleged the article defamed the Curleys, suggesting the home was defective.

An order by President Judge Thomas Burke discontinued the lawsuit.

WILKES-BARRE – A Luzerne County jury on Wednesday found Todd Angel Kane, 34, not guilty of burglarizing a former girlfriend's residence in Kingston.

Kingston police had alleged Kane, last known address as Coal Street, Wilkes-Barre, forced his way inside a residence on South Gates Avenue and confronted a woman on June 21, 2011.

Kane was found not guilty on charges of burglary, criminal trespass, simple assault, criminal mischief and harassment. The jury deliberated for 90 minutes before returning the verdict before Senior Judge Joseph Augello.

Attorney Mark Bufalino represented Kane. Assistant District Attorney Michele Hardik prosecuted.