A Tasmanian court has dismissed former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann's application for a restraining order against a Daily Mail Australia journalist he accused of stalking him.
Legal Battle Over Alleged Stalking
The case was heard in Hobart Magistrates Court, where Lehrmann had sought protection against Karleigh Smith, a senior reporter for the publication. The legal action stemmed from a July article published by Daily Mail Australia with Smith's byline, which described Lehrmann as a 'despised party boy hiding at the end of the Earth'.
During proceedings on Thursday, the court learned that both parties had reached an agreement to resolve the matter. Smith's lawyer, Nic Edmondson, confirmed the resolution, leading Magistrate Jackie Hartnett to formally dismiss the case. The magistrate acknowledged the 'hard work' invested by both sides and noted that no application for costs had been made.
Contentious Allegations and Journalistic Defence
Lehrmann's legal representative, Zali Burrows, had previously argued that Smith and a photographer had 'dangerously' followed her client in a vehicle, including on a dirt road. Burrows contended that the pursuit wasn't merely about stalking but also about the significant impact on Lehrmann's mental health.
'Why is a journalist sitting in a car following a person closely behind? That potentially could have caused an accident,' Burrows stated during July hearings when Lehrmann unsuccessfully applied for an interim restraining order.
However, Edmondson maintained that Smith was protected by journalistic exemptions under the legal definition of stalking. He argued that the reporter was entitled to follow Lehrmann, take photographs, and report on his activities as part of legitimate newsgathering operations.
In a particularly unusual claim, Burrows suggested Lehrmann had suffered additional psychological harm because Smith had apparently deliberately engaged a New South Wales legal firm that Lehrmann had previously used.
Ongoing Legal Challenges
Lehrmann, who participated remotely via Zoom while his lawyer dialled in, faces separate legal proceedings in Hobart Magistrates Court concerning allegations he stole a 4WD vehicle in southern Tasmania. The court has ordered that he could face arrest if he fails to appear in person for a scheduled hearing in early December.
This development follows a missed court appearance by Lehrmann and Burrows on November 7, after which the magistrate demanded a doctor's certificate to verify medical issues preventing his attendance. The 30-year-old has denied the theft allegations, and multiple witnesses are expected to give evidence if the matter proceeds to hearing.
Lehrmann first gained national attention in 2021 when he was accused of raping fellow Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins at Parliament House. His criminal trial was abandoned in 2022 due to juror misconduct. More recently, the Federal Court found on the balance of probabilities that the rape did occur, though Lehrmann has consistently denied the allegations.
The Federal Court dismissed Lehrmann's defamation case against Network Ten and presenter Lisa Wilkinson earlier this year. He has appealed that ruling, with a decision on the appeal still pending.
