October 22nd 2024.
Bruce Lehrmann, who is struggling financially, is anxiously awaiting the outcome of his appeal against a defamation lawsuit. Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson have requested that Lehrmann pay $200,000 as a security deposit in case he loses the appeal. However, Lehrmann, who previously worked for the Liberal party, has objected to this request.
In addition, he has also asked Justice Wendy Abraham to delay the payment of $2 million in legal costs to Network Ten, as well as an unknown amount for Wilkinson's defense costs. The decision on this matter is expected to be announced on Wednesday. During the hearing on October 14, Lehrmann's lawyer, Zali Burrows, revealed that her client is currently surviving on Centrelink benefits, partly due to the negative portrayal of him by the broadcaster, which has hindered his job opportunities.
It has been reported that Network Ten has already issued a bankruptcy notice to Lehrmann, but has agreed not to take any further action until the outcome of the appeal is determined. The 29-year-old had filed a lawsuit in February 2021 over a report on The Project where Brittany Higgins, a former Liberal staffer, spoke about her allegation of sexual assault in Parliament House in 2019.
In April, Justice Michael Lee ruled in favor of Higgins, finding that Lehrmann had sexually assaulted her based on the balance of probabilities. However, Lehrmann has denied these allegations and is not facing any criminal charges, as his trial was disrupted due to juror misconduct. During the hearing, Ten's barrister, Matt Collins KC, argued for the $200,000 payment, stating that it was not in the public interest to allow the appeal. On the other hand, Wilkinson's barrister, Sue Chrysanthou SC, pointed out that Lehrmann had chosen to sue, despite not being convicted or acquitted in a criminal trial.
Chrysanthou argued, "His financial struggles did not prevent him from seeking justice in court, and he has already had his day in court. Why should he get another?" For those in need of support, they can reach out to 1800 RESPECT or the National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service on 1800 211 028.
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