The trial against two Malibu men accused of allegedly beating French paparazzo Rachid Aitmbareck was declared a mistrial last week Friday after the jury came back deadlocked 8-4 in favor of a not guilty verdict.
Defendants Skylar Peak, 25, and Philip “John” Hildebrand, 31, were accused of misdemeanor battery for their involvement in a June 2008 scuffle that ensued after they and other beachgoers tried to get Aitmbareck and other paparazzi to leave the private portion of Little Dume Beach as they were shooting pictures of actor Matthew McConaughey surfing.
The two claimed they used reasonable force to defend themselves and eject trespassers from private property. Look for a full article in this week’s issue of The Malibu Times.
—Stan Parker