Justice Michael Lee’s top one-liners during Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation proceedings judgment

By the time he finished delivering his judgment, Justice Michael Lee was even writing the headlines for the media pack. Here are his top zingers.

By the time he finished delivering his judgment, Justice Michael Lee was even writing the headlines for the media pack.

Here are some of the best zingers his honour handed down as he delivered his judgment in Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation proceedings against Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson.

– On Bruce Lehrmann pursuing a civil case after his criminal trial was aborted: “Having escaped the lion’s den, Mr Lehrmann made the mistake of coming back for his hat.”

– “Given (the case’s) unexpected detours and collateral damage, it may be fitting to describe it as an omnishambles.”

– Particularising the evidence was “like trying to gather a column of smoke”.

Bruce Lehrmann leaves court on Monday. Picture: Don Arnold/Getty Images

– “He (Lehrmann) was not living the life of a hermit ... he was working for a public relations company in Sydney.”

– “What he then wanted to happen is not shrouded in mystery,” referring to Lehrmann’s state of mind after kissing Brittany Higgins in a Canberra nightclub.

– Lehrmann going back to Parliament House with Brittany “had nothing to do with French submarine contracts”

– “One does not pash passively.”

– “To remark that Mr Lehrmann is a poor witness is an exercise in understatement.”

– On Lehrmann’s claim he went back to Parliament House for his keys: “He could have just texted his girlfriend.”

– Higgins’ Bumble date on the night in question was left “like a shag on a rock” and was left “no doubt ruing swiping right.”

– “Nothing good happens after 2am.”