Former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann has pleaded not guilty to stealing a four-wheel drive in Tasmania, as his lawyer raised concerns over a media interview that may constitute contempt of court.
Lehrmann is accused of taking a Toyota Prado from Mountain River, a rural area in southern Tasmania, on 20 November. The charge was brought by Gail Denise Oates, according to court documents.
Appearing via phone in Hobart Magistrates Court on Thursday, Lehrmann's lawyer Zali Burrows said she was considering applying for a stay of proceedings, alleging that Oates had committed sub-judice contempt by giving a media interview that contradicted her official statement. Burrows also expressed concern over a police statement in which the accused's name was redacted.
Prosecutor Bunewat Keo noted Oates had made no further media contact and that Burrows had received the full case file. Magistrate Reg Marron said the plea would trigger further disclosure and that the redaction could be addressed later, adding the matter was heading to a hearing.
Lehrmann's bail was continued, with the next court date set for 19 September. A hearing is expected to last three days. During the proceedings, Lehrmann missed the first phone call from the court, prompting a rebuke from Marron.
Lehrmann has faced multiple legal matters in recent years, including a 2019 rape trial that was abandoned due to juror misconduct. He denies the allegations and has appealed a defamation finding that he raped Brittany Higgins.
