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Former Liberal Party staffer Bruce Lehrmann wants to face trial without a jury on charges alleging he raped a woman in 2021.
The background: Lehrmann is accused of raping the woman twice during the morning of 10 October 2021 in Toowoomba, west of Brisbane.
Lehrmann was not required to appear in person in the Toowoomba District Court on Thursday for the case’s first mention since the indictment on the two rape charges was handed down in December.
He has yet to enter a plea but his legal representatives have previously said he denies the charges.
Both prosecutors and Lehrmann have yet to formally file applications ahead of a District Court trial, which does not yet have a start date.
The key quote: “There’s an application for a judge-alone trial, there’s also an application in respect to potential protection of records and a joint application in regards to uncharged sexual contact.” — Defence solicitor Rowan King.
What else to know: Under Queensland law, a trial can be heard without a jury, with a judge alone handing down verdicts if “it is in the interests of justice to do so”.
The grounds for a judge-only trial include when the hearings are lengthy or complex, or both, or if “there has been significant pre-trial publicity that may affect jury deliberations”.
King told Judge Dennis Lynch that barrister Patrick Wilson would make three pre-trial applications for Lehrmann.
Crown prosecutor Caroline Marco said she would also make three pre-trial applications.
Judge Lynch on Thursday ordered prosecutors and Lehrmann to file their applications by 14 March.
Lehrmann’s bail conditions were extended ahead of a pre-trial directions hearing at Toowoomba District Court on 27 March.
If this story has raised any issues for you, help is available at Lifeline on 13 11 14.
If you or someone you know wants to talk about sexual assault or harassment, family or domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au
In an emergency, call 000.
