Bruce Lehrmann (right) leaves the Magistrates Court in Toowoomba, Queensland, June 17, 2024. Mr Lehrmann is charged with two counts of rape. Picture: Dan Peled
Share and Follow

Former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann has pleaded not guilty to stealing a four-wheel drive after his lawyer raised contempt of court concerns about a media interview.

It is alleged Lehrmann took a Toyota Prado from Mountain River, a rural area in southern Tasmania, on November 20.

Lehrmann has been the subject of various court matters across Australia in recent years.

Bruce Lehrmann (right) leaves the Magistrates Court in Toowoomba, Queensland, June 17, 2024. Mr Lehrmann is charged with two counts of rape. Picture: Dan Peled
Lehrmann has been the subject of various court matters across Australia in recent years. (Dan Peled)

His trial for allegedly raping then-colleague Brittany Higgins at Canberra’s parliament house in 2019 was abandoned in 2022 because of juror misconduct.

Lehrmann and his lawyer Zali Burrows appeared today in Hobart Magistrates Court via phone.

According to court documents, the charge of motor vehicle stealing was brought against Lehrmann by Gail Denise Oates.

Burrows told the court she was considering applying for a stay of proceedings because Oates had allegedly committed sub-judice contempt of court by doing a media interview that presented a different account of events to her official statement.

She also had “concern” over a police statement made by Oates in which the name of the person accused of stealing the car had been redacted.

“Police have unfairly redacted the statement. I don’t know why this is such a national secret,” Burrows said.

Bruce Lehrmann outside court.
His trial for allegedly raping then-colleague Brittany Higgins at Canberra’s parliament house in 2019 was abandoned in 2022 because of juror misconduct. (Dan Peled)

Prosecutor Bunewat Keo noted Oates had made no further contact with media and Burrows had been provided with all the case-file information.

Magistrate Reg Marron said the entering of a plea would trigger the release of more information to Burrows and the redaction could be discussed at a later date.

The matter was “one way or another” going to a hearing, he said.

Burrows said Lehrmann was happy to enter a plea of not guilty, so the matter wasn’t delayed.

A hearing would likely take three days, the court was told.

Lehrmann’s bail was continued, with the matter to next come before the court on September 19.

Lehrmann didn’t answer the first phone call from the court, prompting a rebuke from Marron, who said Burrows should “make sure he is on the line”.

“We have a room full of people ready to go,” he said.

Lehrmann has appealed a Federal Court finding that determined on the balance of probabilities he raped Higgins.

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Anthony Albanese said he has raised the incident during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

PM Confronts Chinese Premier Over Tense Military Standoff: A Diplomatic Dialogue on Security Concerns

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed his apprehensions regarding a recent hazardous…
Massive US warship loses two aircraft in 30 minutes of mishaps

Shocking Naval Chaos: Two Aircraft Lost in 30 Minutes on US Warship

A dramatic incident unfolded when both a fighter jet and a helicopter,…
He has pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter, admitting he did kill his former partner Hannah McGuire on April 5, 2024.

Heart-Wrenching Courtroom Showdown: Grieving Mother Faces Daughter’s Murderer

A grieving mother confronted the man responsible for her daughter’s death, declaring…
Member for New England Barnaby Joyce during a doorstop interview in the press gallery.

Barnaby Joyce’s Surprising Move: Stays Loyal to Nationals Despite Party Snub

Barnaby Joyce has distanced himself from the Nationals but maintains that he…
A Medicare card.

Massive $7.9 Billion Medicare Overhaul Set to Transform Healthcare System

But not everyone will benefit from the start date, with the government…
The people already putting their hands up for 2028 White House race

Early Contenders Emerge: Candidates Announce Bids for 2028 White House Race

There are still more than 365 days to run before the midterms…

Osamah Becomes Pioneer Arrival in Australia Through Innovative New Visa Pathway, Ending Long Waiting Period

Key Points The program, open to refugees aged 18-30, provides a permanent…
Putin touts new 'super weapon'

Putin Unveils Advanced ‘Super Weapon’ in Strategic Military Announcement

Russia has successfully tested a new cruise missile, which is both nuclear-capable…