Allegations of 'Calculated' Media Campaign Surface in Lehrmann Defamation Trial
Explosive allegations have emerged during the defamation trial brought by Bruce Lehrmann against Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson. Lawyers for Ten and Wilkinson claim that a "calculated" and "concerted" media campaign is underway, using restricted court material to pressure and dissuade witnesses from giving evidence. The lawyers argue that recent coverage by Channel Seven and News Corp relied on material from Lehrmann's criminal trial, which was never tendered and violated rules governing the sharing of such material. The allegations have sparked controversy and raised concerns about the integrity of the trial.
Accusations of Improper Pressure: Counsel for Wilkinson, Sue Chrysanthou SC, and counsel for Network Ten, Matt Collins KC, lodged complaints regarding the significant media publicity surrounding the trial. They alleged that the coverage was based on material that should not have been shared and that it put improper pressure on Wilkinson. Chrysanthou expressed concerns about the orchestrated campaign and accused media outlets of dishonestly editing a five-hour tape.
Impact on Witnesses and Maligning of Brittany Higgins: The lawyers argued that the public campaign was designed to malign Brittany Higgins, a likely witness in the trial, and was having a significant impact on her. They expressed concerns that the extensive media coverage could discourage witnesses from coming forward to testify. The distribution of police brief material and subpoenaed evidence to the media without court tendering raised suspicions of an orchestrated campaign.
Claims of Lehrmann's Involvement and Response: Collins stated that Lehrmann had publicly indicated his intention to run a public campaign against Higgins and the respondents in the media. The lawyers contended that the recent publicity was calculated to pressure witnesses not to give evidence in the defamation trial. However, Lehrmann's counsel vehemently denied his involvement and dismissed the allegations as aggravating damages in the defamation case.
Court's Response and Future Proceedings: Justice Michael Lee suggested that contempt of court proceedings would be better suited to address the allegations and concerns raised by the parties. The court rejected the attempt to question Lehrmann, describing it as fishing. Chrysanthou signaled that a further application would be made on the issue.
Background and Jury Trial Decision: Lehrmann is suing Ten and Wilkinson over their initial reporting of Higgins' rape allegations, which he denies. Due to juror misconduct and concerns about Higgins' safety, the rape trial was aborted and a second trial was abandoned. The court ruled against a jury trial for the defamation case, citing the significant publicity and the challenges of avoiding prejudice. Channel Seven and ACT prosecutors have also provided documents under subpoena for the defamation proceedings.
The allegations of a calculated media campaign in the Lehrmann defamation trial have added a new dimension to the case. The lawyers' claims of restricted court material being used to pressure witnesses and malign Brittany Higgins have raised concerns about the integrity of the trial process. The court's response, the denial of Lehrmann's involvement, and the potential future proceedings will shape the course of the trial.
