A key part of a committal hearing for rape charges against Bruce Lehrmann will be heard in closed court. Lehrmann attended Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Monday for the first time since being charged with rape more than a year ago. The hearing will determine if the matter will go to trial. Magistrate Mark Howden denied an application for journalists to remain in the courtroom while the alleged victim gave evidence. Howden said granting the application would be prejudicial against Lehrmann.
Lehrmann faces two counts of raping a woman at Toowoomba, west of Brisbane, in October 2021, which his lawyers have said he denies. Crown prosecutor Nicole Friedewald handed up a list of exhibits and witnesses including a police detective and multiple officers. Hoare said he would provide a 12-page written submission from Lehrmann to prosecutors. A barrister for media organisations applied for journalists to remain in the courtroom on Monday while the alleged victim testified remotely.