Bruce Lehrmann's lawyers say he has no case to answer over alleged Toowoomba rape

Lina Portman2 weeks ago

0 2 minutes read

Key points

Bruce Lehrmann appeared in court in Queensland where he is charged with alleged rape in October 2021.
Lehrmann's lawyers will say the former Liberal staffer has no case to answer.
A magistrate allowed Lehrmann to remain out of custody on bail and attend the next hearing remotely.

A rape hearing against former Liberal Party member Bruce Lehrmann has been adjourned, with his defense set to argue he has no case to answer.

Lehrmann, 29, appeared in a Queensland magistrates court on Monday for the first time since he was charged with rape more than a year ago.

The detention hearing in Toowoomba, west of Brisbane, is part of a long-running process to determine whether the case will go to trial.

The alleged victim's testimony was heard in camera before magistrate Mark Howden ordered committal to be adjourned until July 4.

Defense attorney Andrew Hoare submitted a 12-page written brief from Lehrmann, saying he would present his oral arguments for dismissal of the case next month.

“As expected, these are arguments about the sufficiency of the evidence for my client to stand trial,” Hoare said.

Lehrmann authorized to attend next hearing via video link

Howden continued Lehrmann's bail and allowed him to appear via video link next month.

Lehrmann had traveled from the highway to attend the hearing and Crown prosecutor Nicole Friedewald did not object to him not having to appear in person next month.

Friedewald said the prosecution's case was completed after submitting a new statement from the alleged victim.

Howden previously rejected a request for reporters to remain in the courtroom while the alleged victim testified, saying it would be prejudicial against Lehrmann.

“I do, however, recognize the public interest…the matter should proceed in the usual manner,” he said.

Lehrmann was first charged in January 2023, but did not appear in court for the case until Monday. He was mobbed by members of the media upon his arrival.

“Where is Peter Costello when you need him?” he said, apparently in reference to the former chairman of Nine Entertainment allegedly shoving a reporter.

Bruce Lehrmann faces two counts of raping a woman in Toowoomba in October 2021, which his lawyers said he denied. Source: PAA / Jono Searle

Lehrmann faces two counts of raping a woman in Toowoomba in October 2021, which his lawyers said he denied.

Friedewald handed over a list of exhibits and witnesses, including a police detective and several officers.

News Corp, ABC and Nine Network lawyer Jess Goldie asked that journalists remain in the courtroom while the alleged victim gave evidence remotely.

Goldie said the high level of public interest in the case justified maintaining media outlets to ensure fair and accurate reporting.

Hoare, the Crown prosecutor and the alleged victim objected.

Howden denied the request and ordered the public gallery of the crowded courtroom evacuated.

Defense lawyers had made legal efforts for weeks to preserve Lehrmann's anonymity after Queensland changed its laws in October 2023 to no longer prohibit the publication of the names of people accused of certain sexual offenses before being judged.

Lehrmann was able to be identified after being denied a continued non-publication of his name by the Queensland Supreme Court.