Network Ten seeks to call fresh evidence about Bruce Lehrmann days before defamation trial

Network Ten is set to present new evidence in the Bruce Lehrmann defamation trial just days before the judge is due to deliver his verdict.

Federal Court Justice Michael Lee was set to deliver his decision in Mr Lehrmann’s defamation case against the network and presenter Lisa Wilkinson on Thursday.

However, on Thursday the federal court revealed Justice Lee would hear ‘an urgent interlocutory application by Network Ten to reopen its case’ on Tuesday night.

Justice Lee had adjourned the case in December following a five-week trial and appearance from Brittany Higgins, a former Liberal staffer who alleged Mr Lehrmann raped her inside their then-boss Linda Reynolds’ office at Parliament House.

The allegations were aired on Channel Ten by Wilkinson on The Project in 2021.

Wilkinson’s bombshell interview with Ms Higgins triggered Mr Lehrmann’s defamation case.

Mr Lehrmann was not named in the 2021 interview but claims he was still able to be identified by the media.

He alleges there were four defamatory meanings aired in The Project’s report and denies allegations he raped Ms Higgins.

His criminal trial over the alleged rape in October 2022 was previously abandoned. 

Justice Lee previously said he would begin writing his judgement the day after the trial ended.

He has been handed more than 15,000 pages of transcript and 1,000 separate exhibits – including CCTV footage and audio recordings – since the trial began.

It is expected whichever party loses the trial will appeal the decision. 

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