Bruce Lehrmann has been committed to stand trial on two counts of rape.
Lehrmann, 29, is accused of raping a woman twice after a night out in Toowoomba, Queensland in October 2021.
On Thursday morning, Magistrate Marc Howden ruled there was sufficient evidence to have the matter determined by a jury or a judge alone. The complainant has already given evidence and was cross-examined in court last month.
Lehrmann’s legal team had made a submission to the court that he had no case to answer, arguing that the complainant had been too intoxicated to remember giving consent. Defence barrister Andrew Hoare argued that Lehrmann should not be committed to stand trial.
Crown prosecutor Nicole Friedewald said the complainant’s evidence could reach the standard of beyond reasonable doubt.
Magistrate Howden rejected the argument put forward by Lehrmann’s legal team, ruling that a reasonable jury could potentially find the allegations proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lehrmann attended court remotely via phone on Thursday. He did not enter a plea at the time but his lawyers have previously indicated he will plead not guilty.
Asked in court if he wished to respond to the charges, Lehrmann said: “Not at this time, thank you, your Honour.”
Lehrmann’s bail was continued on Thursday morning.
The trial will now go ahead at a district court in Toowoomba. A date has not yet been set.
Earlier this year, Lehrmann lost the defamation trial he brought upon Network Ten, over the TV interview that aired allegations he raped fellow Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins in Parliament House in March 2019.
Justice Michael Lee determined that “on the balance of probabilities”, Lehrmann raped Higgins.
Lehrmann filed an appeal and was later order to pay $2 million in costs over the case.
If you need help or the details above raise issues for you, please call the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service 1800 737 732.
Lifeline: Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14. Beyond Blue: Call 1300 22 4636.
1800RESPECT: Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732.
MensLine Australia: Call 1300 78 99 78.