10 wins bid to reopen defamation case

Network 10 has won its application to present additional evidence in its defence of a defamation case brought by Bruce Lehrmann.

Today lawyers for Network 10 convinced the federal court it should hear evidence from Taylor Auerbach, a former producer from Seven’s Spotlight, following interviews with Mr Lehrmann last year.

10’s lawyers told the federal court Lehrmann may have handed confidential documents he received in his criminal trial to Spotlight program.

Mr Lehrmann has always denied he gave the material to the Seven Network.

Mr Lehrmann’s barrister Matthew Richardson argued it would be “inappropriate” to reopen the case on this basis, when the court has already heard significant evidence in the five-week trial.

“This stuff is trivial, it’s just not relevant,” Mr Richardson said.

Justice Michael Lee has adjourned the case until Thursday, to hear evidence from Mr Auerbach.

Mr Lehrmann is opposing the application to reopen the case to hear new evidence.

Justice Lee has now formally vacated the sitting for the delivery of his judgment, which had also been listed for Thursday.

Source: Guardian, ABC