Bruce Lehrmann, a former Liberal Party staff member, is seeking access to CCTV footage and witness statements before his upcoming rape trial, as his solicitor claims that significant evidence has been withheld. Lehrmann stands accused of raping a woman on two occasions on October 10, 2021, after they met at a strip club in Toowoomba, located west of Brisbane.
During a hearing at the Toowoomba District Court, Lehrmann’s solicitor, Zali Burrows, expressed her intention to file for a comprehensive consolidated brief of evidence. She noted that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had communicated their reluctance to respond to her disclosure requests. Burrows highlighted the absence of at least nine witness statements and crucial CCTV recordings.
Additionally, she argued that the court should first address the evidence disclosure issue before it considers the prosecution’s request to designate Lehrmann’s alleged victim as a ‘special witness’. This status allows for various protections for the witness, such as testifying from a remote location, being shielded from the accused’s view, or having their testimony pre-recorded.
Crown prosecutor Caroline Marco offered that her office could directly address Burrows’ requests without needing a formal court application. However, Judge Dennis Lynch ruled that he would not become embroiled in disputes over evidence disclosure between the parties. He urged both sides to work collaboratively to resolve these issues efficiently, warning that if they cannot agree, a formal application must be filed so he can offer a ruling.
The judge emphasised the importance of filing all pre-trial applications promptly, allowing appropriate hearing dates to be set before the trial. The matter was postponed, with a subsequent mention scheduled for May 22.
Bruce Lehrmann, 29, previously worked as a ministerial staffer for Liberal Senator Linda Reynolds. The alleged victim had indicated in court that she and Lehrmann engaged in cocaine use prior to consensual sex at a residence around 4 am, but she claimed she awoke at 10 am to find him assaulting her. Lehrmann’s former barrister asserted that the victim was too intoxicated to remember consenting and suggested that Lehrmann may have mistakenly believed he had obtained consent for further sexual activity. His previous solicitor had indicated plans to seek a judge-only trial, avoiding a jury in determining the verdict.
Support for those affected by sexual assault can be sought from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service via 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).