Former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann has pleaded not guilty to stealing a four-wheel drive in Tasmania. The charge relates to an alleged theft of a Toyota Prado from Mountain River, a rural area in southern Tasmania, on 20 November.
Lehrmann appeared via phone in Hobart Magistrates Court on Thursday alongside his lawyer, Zali Burrows. The charge was brought by Gail Denise Oates, according to court documents.
Burrows raised concerns about a media interview given by Oates, alleging it amounted to sub-judice contempt of court by presenting a different account from her official statement. She also questioned a police statement in which the accused's name had been redacted, calling it an unfair practice.
Prosecutor Bunewat Keo noted Oates had no further contact with media and that Burrows had received all case-file information. Magistrate Reg Marron stated that entering a plea would trigger further disclosure and that the redaction could be discussed later.
Burrows confirmed Lehrmann was willing to enter a not-guilty plea to avoid delays. The court was told a hearing would likely take three days. Lehrmann's bail was continued, with the next court date set for 19 September.
Lehrmann has been involved in multiple legal matters across Australia, including a rape trial related to allegations by Brittany Higgins, which was abandoned in 2022 due to juror misconduct. He denies the allegations and has appealed a related defamation finding.
