Bruce Lehrmann has pleaded guilty to a driving offence in Tasmania, marking another legal setback just 24 hours after a crushing defeat in his high-profile defamation appeal.
A Rapid Legal Conclusion in Hobart
On Thursday, the 30-year-old former political staffer appeared before Hobart Magistrates Court via his lawyer, Zali Burrows. He pleaded guilty to a single charge of taking and driving a Toyota Prado without consent in November 2024.
The charge was a downgrade from initial allegations of stealing a car and taking a joyride in the remote area of Mountain River. Prosecutor Bunewat Keo advised the court of the reduced charge, which prompted the guilty plea and allowed the matter to be resolved swiftly.
Magistrate Robert Webster imposed a 12-month good behaviour bond, meaning Lehrmann will avoid a formal conviction if he adheres to its conditions. The hearing was conducted as a 'contest mention', a procedural step designed to facilitate frank discussions and avoid lengthy trials.
Defamation Defeat and Mounting Costs
This development came a day after Lehrmann suffered a significant loss in the Federal Court. His appeal to overturn a defamation ruling against Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson was dismissed by the full court.
The original case stemmed from a 2021 interview on The Project, where Brittany Higgins claimed she was raped in Parliament House in 2019. In April 2024, Justice Michael Lee found that, on the balance of probabilities, Lehrmann had raped Ms Higgins. This finding was upheld on appeal.
As a result of the initial loss, Lehrmann was directed to pay $2 million in damages. He must now also cover the substantial legal costs incurred by Network Ten and Ms Wilkinson during his unsuccessful appeal, though they have agreed to a stay pending a potential High Court challenge.
'Not in a Good Way' and a Continued Fight
Prior to the Hobart hearing, Ms Burrows told waiting journalists her client was 'not in a good way' and asked for compassionate coverage. She described Lehrmann as being overwhelmed by the Federal Court's decision but determined to continue his pursuit of justice.
'I hope Bruce is seen as an inspiration to those who say they've been wrongly accused,' Ms Burrows said. 'It's not the end of it.' She confirmed Lehrmann would seek advice on applying for special leave to appeal to the High Court.
In a statement on social media, Brittany Higgins expressed relief at the Federal Court's decision. 'Finally, it feels like I can breathe again,' she wrote, describing the defamation case as another traumatising 'rape trial' weaponised by her alleged perpetrator.
Lehrmann has always denied sexually assaulting Ms Higgins. A separate criminal trial in 2022 was abandoned due to juror misconduct, with no findings made.
