Former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann, who was found by a Federal Court to have raped one-time colleague Brittany Higgins, has been accused of stealing a car.
Lehrmann appeared by phone in Hobart Magistrates Court today, with the matter adjourned without a plea.
It is alleged the 29-year-old stole a Toyota Prado from Mountain River, a rural area south-west of Hobart, on November 20.
Lehrmann’s lawyer Zali Burrows, who also appeared by phone, requested an adjournment so she could make representations on the charge.
Lehrmann, who the court was unable to initially contact by phone, will re-appear on June 19.
According to court documents, the charge of motor vehicle stealing was brought against Lehrmann by Gail Denise Oates.
Lehrmann’s trial for allegedly raping Higgins in 2019 Canberra’s parliament house was abandoned in October 2022 because of juror misconduct.
A retrial did not occur because of concerns for Higgins’ mental health.
Lehrmann, who has maintained his innocence, sued media outlets for defamation in civil action in the Federal Court, which ultimately found he had raped Higgins.
He is appealing the Federal Court decision.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
