Trial date set for Lehrmann to face rape charges

Former political staffer Bruce Lehrmann has been set a trial date to face rape charges, more than five years after the alleged offences.

Lehrmann, 30, was not required to appear for a callover in Queensland District Court at Toowoomba when a trial date of November 2 was set by Judge Deborah Richards.

Defence solicitor Zali Burrows was asked if Lehrmann would seek a jury trial or a trial before a judge alone.

“It may be [before a jury]. Mr Lehrmann is still deciding,” Burrows said.

Lehrmann is accused of raping a woman twice during the morning of October 10, 2021 after a night out in Toowoomba, west of Brisbane.

He was charged in January 2023 and committed in July 2024 to stand trial following hearings in Toowoomba Magistrates Court into the reliability of the alleged victim’s evidence.

Lehrmann and the woman met during the previous night at a Toowoomba strip club.

She told police she and Lehrmann discussed their political beliefs before catching a taxi to his friend’s house, having consensual sex and consuming cocaine about 4am.

The woman said she was woken about 10am by Lehrmann sexually assaulting her.

Lehrmann, who is on bail, has yet to formally enter a plea but previously indicated he would contest the charges.

Lehrmann previously worked in Canberra’s Parliament House for then Liberal senator and defence industry minister Linda Reynolds.

The Toowoomba rape charges would need a pre-trial hearing before November concerning an application around a special witness, crown prosecutor Caroline Marco said.

A special witness status can be granted to vulnerable persons or alleged victims of sexual offences so they can give evidence remotely or via a pre-recorded video.

Burrows also sought an application for a ruling on evidence.

Judge Richards set down a pre-trial hearing for July 24 in Brisbane.

AAP

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.