June 17th 2024.
Bruce Lehrmann, a former staffer for the Liberal Party, appeared in a regional court in Queensland for the first time in over a year since being charged with rape. As he made his way into the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Monday morning for a committal hearing, Lehrmann was greeted by a swarm of photographers and TV crews eager to capture his arrival.
In a moment of frustration, Lehrmann quipped, "Where is Peter Costello when you need him?" in reference to the former chairman of Nine Entertainment who was accused of pushing a journalist. The 29-year-old has been out on bail since his arrest in January 2023 and took a seat next to his barrister Andrew Hoare, armed with documents and a leather-bound notebook.
Mr. Hoare stated his intention to question the alleged victim in the case, causing the small regional courtroom to overflow with reporters and a court sketch artist in the public gallery. Lehrmann is facing two counts of rape, which his legal team has maintained he denies, that allegedly occurred in Toowoomba in October 2021.
His lawyers had previously fought to keep Lehrmann's identity anonymous, but after a change in Queensland's laws in October 2023, his identity was able to be revealed. The former Liberal staffer was thrust into the national spotlight after being charged with the rape of Brittany Higgins, a former staffer for Senator Linda Reynolds, in the office of the defence industry minister at Parliament House in March 2019.
However, the case ended in a mistrial and the charge was withdrawn by prosecutors due to concerns for Ms. Higgins' mental health. Lehrmann then began defamation proceedings against Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson in November 2023, alleging that The Project had incorrectly identified him as the person who raped Ms. Higgins.
In April 2024, Justice Michael Lee dismissed his case and found, to the civil standard, that Lehrmann had in fact raped Ms. Higgins. Lehrmann has since filed an appeal against Justice Lee's judgment. In addition to his legal battles, Lehrmann is also facing a claim from the owner of a property in North Sydney that he previously leased. The claim of $13,000 is for alleged property damage and lost rent, as Lehrmann occupied the property for 12 months at an estimated cost of $100,000 paid for by the Seven Network in exchange for an exclusive interview.
As this legal saga continues to unfold, it is important to remember the support services available to victims of sexual abuse. The National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service, 1800 RESPECT, can be reached at 1800 211 028. We must stand together and support those who have been through such traumas.
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