Changes to Queensland law allow for naming of Lehrmann, who was thrust into national spotlight after being accused of raping Brittany Higgins, a claim he strenuously denied
Bruce Lehrmann has been revealed as the “high-profile” man accused of raping a woman in Toowoomba two years ago.
However, the state introduced new laws in September to allow the naming of accused sex offenders after they are charged. Previously they could only be named after being committed to stand trial. The change brought the state into line with most other states and territories. Kelly agreed instead with the argument of Rob Anderson, who represented the media companies, and said that the defence’s portrayal of the defendant was “incongruent” with a man who had conducted a series of prime time, extended media interviews after he had been charged for the alleged Toowoomba rape.He noted that the alleged rape victim wanted Lehrmann to be named.
Kelly also dismissed the argument that naming Lehrmann could prejudice jurors against him, saying Toowoomba could not be considered a “rural or remote” location – a criteria required for non-publication exemptions – and that the defendant was not a resident of the community. Revealing his identity in the regional Queensland city would be no different than it would in any other Australian city, she said.
“A cynic might say: ‘I hope Channel 7 paid him, or his solicitors, a lot of money’, for the consequences it had on his application, if nothing else,” Applegarth said.
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