Bruce Lehrmann to push for Toowoomba rape case dismissal

The committal hearing in Queensland on alleged rape charges against Bruce Lehrmann has been adjourned until July 4 after his defence said it would argue insufficient evidence.

Bruce Lehrmann leaves Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Monday. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass

Former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann will push in the coming weeks to have rape charges against him dropped, with his lawyers flagging they will argue there is not enough evidence to have him tried in a Queensland court.

The woman who alleges she was raped twice by Mr Lehrmann after a night out in late 2021 gave evidence for over an hour in a closed Toowoomba court on Monday, as a magistrate was due to ­decide whether the matter should go to trial.

The ex-staffer was making jokes as he entered the courtroom in his hometown to defend himself against the rape allegations, but left stony-faced and silent.

Flanked by his solicitor, Rowan King, Mr Lehrmann joked with the waiting media pack: “Where’s Peter Costello when you need him?”, referring to the former Nine Network chairman knocking down a reporter from The Australian while being quizzed in a similar way.

Mr Lehrmann’s lawyer, Andrew Hoare KC, flagged a 12-page submission with “some density” would be tendered at the next committal hearing on July 4, and the prosecution would respond in writing by the day prior.

“There will be submissions made in respect to the sufficiency of evidence to put my client to trial,” Mr Hoare said.

“What has been discussed at the bar table, if that will suit the court, is that these proceedings will resume for the purposes of an argument of no case.”

Mr Lehrmann arrived at Toowoomba Magistrates Court, appearing calm, at 8.30am for the committal hearing. This was the first time he had appeared at his hometown court for the matter.

As he entered the courtroom before matters commenced, Mr Lehrmann said: “It’s no federal court, is it?”

The police will lay out their case for the first time at the committal hearing, with the Magistrate Marc Howden to determine whether the matter will proceed to a jury trial.

Media organisations Queensland Newspapers, Nationwide News, ABC and the Nine Network made a joint application to be allowed in the courtroom when the complainant appeared via video-link, citing the public interest in the matter and the need for accurate reporting.

In Queensland, it is typical for complainants in sexual assault matters to give their evidence out of the view of the media.

Mr Hoare and Crown pro­secutor Nicole Friedewald both ­opposed the application over concerns for the woman’s privacy. She cannot be identified under Queensland law.

Consul for the media, Jessica Goldie, suggested the media might hear only some of the evidence or sit in a separate room or out of view of the video link.

The application was ultimately denied and media were directed to leave the court shortly before 11am.

The matter was initially set down for three hours on Monday morning. It will be heard again next month after the defence’s submission is considered, with Magistrate Marc Howden to decide whether the charges will be sent to trial.

Mr Lehrmann will not be required to attend the court. Mr Hoare told the court the law student had travelled from interstate to be present on Monday. However, he will still be required to appear via video link or phone.