November 6th 2024.
As Bruce Lehrmann prepares to appeal a major defamation loss, his barrister has made a request to keep their identity hidden. Due to the fear of potential harassment, the hearings for the former Liberal staffer's case are not expected to take place for another year. It is only closer to the hearing date that the identity of Lehrmann's counsel will be revealed.
During a short hearing, Lehrmann's solicitor Zali Burrows discreetly wrote down the name of the intended counsel and showed it to the other parties at the bar table. In court, Burrows explained, "Until the hearing date is set and I have officially briefed the counsel, he wishes to remain anonymous. This is simply to avoid any trolling or harassment, which I have personally experienced."
Considering the availability of all parties involved, Justice Wendy Abraham suggested that the appeal hearing would most likely occur in August. She stated, "I am not able to schedule the hearing myself, but I would ask all parties to keep the 19th to the 22nd of August available."
Lehrmann is seeking to overturn a judgement made in April, which stated that he was not defamed in reports of sexually assaulting Brittany Higgins in Parliament House. The court ruled in October that Lehrmann did not have to pay $200,000 to continue with the appeal, as it was not in the public interest to do so. Justice Abraham explained, "The finding against him is extremely serious, and it is evident that it would have a significant impact on him if he were denied the right to appeal."
In addition, Justice Abraham allowed Lehrmann to refrain from paying $2 million in legal fees to Network Ten, which he was originally ordered to do. Ten had been attempting to hinder the appeal by forcing Lehrmann to pay the $200,000 as security, in case he lost and was liable for the broadcaster's costs. In an earlier hearing, Burrows had revealed that Lehrmann's financial situation and reputation were so dire that he may have to resort to starting an OnlyFans account to earn an income. She added, "They are one of the reasons why he is currently unable to find employment."
In April, Justice Michael Lee delivered a crushing blow to Lehrmann when he dismissed his defamation suit and found that on the balance of probabilities, he had raped Higgins in a Parliament House office in 2019. This ruling came after a criminal case against Lehrmann was dropped in 2022, with no findings made against him.
In his decision, Justice Lee remarked, "After escaping the lion's den, Mr. Lehrmann made the mistake of returning for his hat." This statement highlights the gravity of the allegations and the impact they have had on Lehrmann's life.
For those seeking support, they can contact 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or the National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service on 1800 211 028.
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