Network Ten has made a bombshell manoeuvre just days before a judge was set to deliver his decision in a defamation case involving former federal Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann. The case also involves Network Ten and high-profile presenter Lisa Wilkinson. Federal Court Justice Michael Lee had adjourned the case in December following a month-long trial, and was scheduled to deliver his decision on Thursday. However, Network Ten is now seeking to call fresh evidence in the case, with a hearing set for Tuesday afternoon.
The specific details of the fresh evidence being sought by Network Ten are not known at this time. The application to reopen the case was dated March 31, and was released by the Federal Court on the same day. The application requested “leave to re-open [its] case for the purpose of adducing fresh evidence” and any other orders the court deems necessary. This move by Network Ten follows reports regarding an exclusive interview that Lehrmann gave to the Seven Network, which aired on its Spotlight program.
A report by news.com.au’s political editor Samantha Maiden on March 21 alleged that two Thai masseuses were booked in the early hours of November 26, 2022 – one for Lehrmann and another for a Seven Network employee. Lehrmann disputed this claim, stating that it was an “untrue and bizarre story from a disgruntled ex-Network Seven producer.” He also clarified that Seven Network only covered reasonable travel expenses for filming and accommodation. The circumstances surrounding Lehrmann’s interview with Seven Network have raised questions and potentially influenced Network Ten’s decision to seek fresh evidence in the defamation case.
The defamation case involving Bruce Lehrmann, Network Ten, and Lisa Wilkinson has garnered significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the parties involved. The case has been ongoing for several months, with the trial concluding in December. Justice Michael Lee will now have to consider the new evidence being presented by Network Ten before delivering his judgment in the case. The outcome of this latest development could have a significant impact on the overall outcome of the defamation case and the parties involved.
It is not uncommon for defamation cases to involve twists and turns, as parties seek to present new evidence or challenge existing evidence in order to strengthen their case. The decision to seek fresh evidence in this case just days before the judge was set to deliver his decision indicates the importance of the new information that Network Ten believes could impact the outcome of the case. The hearing scheduled for Tuesday will be crucial in determining whether the judge allows the case to be reopened and the new evidence to be considered in the proceedings.
The outcome of the defamation case involving Bruce Lehrmann, Network Ten, and Lisa Wilkinson remains uncertain as the parties await Justice Michael Lee’s decision following the hearing on Tuesday. The nature of the fresh evidence being sought by Network Ten and its potential impact on the case are key factors to watch as the legal proceedings continue. The high stakes involved, along with the high-profile nature of the case, make it a closely-watched and complex legal battle that continues to unfold. The final judgment by Justice Lee will ultimately determine the outcome of the case and the potential implications for all parties involved.
