Bruce Lehrmann to apply to Toowoomba District Court for judge-only trial

The former political staffer will seek to avoid the judgment of a jury at his next court appearance.

Former parliamentary staffer Bruce Lehrmann leaves Toowoomba Magistrates Court on June 17, 2024. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass

Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann’s defence team have sought to have his Toowoomba rape allegations heard at a judge-only trial.

Mr Lehrmann’s counsel Rowan King appeared via phone before the Toowoomba District Court on Thursday seeking a hearing date for several pre-trial applications in regards to his client’s upcoming rape trial.

Mr King indicated he would be pursuing applications for a judge alone trial alongside an application for potential protective counselling records.

Crown prosecutor Caroline Marco also requested several applications on behalf of the prosecution including a special witness application, to allow for certain conditions during their evidence, and another application under the Queensland Evidence Act.

Both parties suggested they would bring forward a joint application for uncharged sexual activities, which would likely be unopposed.

Mr Lehrmann was committed to stand trial on two counts of rape from October 2021 after it was alleged a woman woke up to Lehrmann penetrating her without a condom following consensual sex earlier in the night.

The woman alleged she then told him to stop, pulling her body away from him, but claimed he climbed on top of her again stating “it’s OK” before continuing to rape her.

Mr Lehrmann has yet to enter a plea but his legal team have indicated he will be defending the charges.

Judge Dennis Lynch KC set the hearing date for March 27, 2025 in Toowoomba District Court with all application material to be filed by March 14, 2025.

No materials have been filed as of Thursday morning.

Mr Lehrmann was allowed bail and will not be required at the next appearance.

Originally published as Bruce Lehrmann to apply to Toowoomba District Court for judge-only trial