Zali Burrows, Lehrmann’s solicitor, informed Brisbane district court on Thursday that the police had failed to provide a hard drive containing extensive case files, audio of Lehrmann recorded before his arrest in 2023, and a complete download of the complainant’s mobile phone.
The police investigation was led by an officer who is now unable to access the hard drive, claiming it malfunctioned for unknown reasons. Burrows has requested that the court grant a permanent stay of proceedings due to the presumed exculpatory material on the hard drive.
Burrows stated that the defense team has not been able to independently examine the hard drive because it has since been destroyed, despite their demand for access.
Lehrmann, who was bailed, stands accused of raping a woman twice during the early hours of October 10, 2021, after meeting her the previous night at a strip club in Toowoomba, a city located west of Brisbane.
The former ministerial staffer for Liberal senator Linda Reynolds was charged in January 2023 and has not yet officially entered a plea, although his previous solicitor declared Lehrmann’s intention to contest the charges.
Crown prosecutor Peter Blake-Segovia did not comment on Burrows’ claims regarding the police officer’s hard drive or the allegations of evidence being provided in a “piecemeal” manner.
Judge Deborah Richards stated there is no room in this year’s court calendar for another trial, and a trial start date may not be set until at least 2026.
Lehrmann appeared in court by phone for the case mention, and his bail has been extended.
Additional hearings have been scheduled: on August 28 for claims related to a subpoena and on September 26 for Burrows’ application to permanently halt the trial.
