‘Not in Kansas anymore’: Lehrman fronts Toowoomba court

As Lehrmann fronted Toowoomba court amid a media storm for the committal hearing of an alleged rape case, he received no special treatment when he tried to bypass security.

Former parliamentary staffer Bruce Lehrmann arrives to Toowoomba Magistrates Court. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass

A Toowoomba courtroom has been closed to the public and media while a woman allegedly raped by former parliamentary staffer Bruce Lehrmann is cross-examined during a committal trial hearing.

During the lengthy court proceeding the alleged woman will give her evidence from a secure and private location after an unopposed ‘special witness’ application was made.

Following a legislation change in late 2023, Mr Lehrmann was revealed as the “high-profile Toowoomba man” charged with two counts of rape involving a Darling Downs woman after an application to suppress his identity failed.

He has not been required to enter any pleas to the charges for offences that police allege happened in October 2021.

Mr Lehrmann appeared at the Toowoomba Magistrates Court for the first time, to attend the committal hearing on Monday, June 17, where a media application was denied to keep the proceedings open to the public and reporters.

The Courier Mail reported during the media scrum Mr Lehrmann said “where’s Peter Costello when you need him,” in light of an incident involving the ex-treasurer who allegedly pushed a camera man.

On his way into the courthouse, out of the cameras reach, Mr Lehrmann attempted to walk through security without due checks before being asked to hand over his belongings, remove his belt, and walk back through the metal detector.

Former parliamentary staffer Bruce Lehrmann arrives to Toowoomba Magistrates Court. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass

Mr Lehrmann made an off the cuff remark to his solicitor that the Toowoomba Magistrate court was a little different to the Federal Court.

The committal hearing was delayed shortly as the parties discussed the last minute application submitted by barrister Jessica Goldie on behalf of a number of media outlets.

Lehrmann’s barrister, Andrew Hoare told Magistrate Mark Howden he was not aware of the application until he arrived at court, and said he and the crown opposed the application.

Mr Lehrmann has not as yet been required to enter any pleas to the charges which arise from alleged events dating to October 2021. Picture: Peta McEachern

Crown prosecutor Nicole Friedewald said the alleged victim did not want the media to be present in court during the proceedings and by extension of her wishes the Crown opposed the application.

Upon hearing this, Mr Lehrmann smiled at his solicitor Rowan King.

After taking a short break to consider the media’s application, Magistrate Howden informed the court the application was refused.

“I accept… the principle of open justice and I acknowledge the high public interest in this case,” he said.

Bruce Lehrmann arrives at Toowoomba Magistrates Court on June 17, 2024.

“However, in the court’s opinion, there has not been any basis raised which would shift the possession as set out (by law), that is, that it would not be prejudicial to the interest of the complainant.

“The matter ought to proceed in the ordinary way in my opinion.”

Before the woman was called upon to give her evidence, the court was closed to the public and media.