Updated Bruce Lehrmann Pt2 * ACT Bar clears former DPP head Shane Drumgold of misconduct

[Kurve]

Here is PART 1

Historical Rape Allegation Against Fmr AG Christian Porter
The Alexander Matters matters

Just a reminder, this is the crime board and we need to be aware that there will be victims of crime either watching this thread or engaging in here from time to time. A degree of respect in all discussions is expected.

LINK TO TIMELINE
CJS INQUIRY
FINAL REPORT – BOARD OF INQUIRY – CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
Joint media statement – Chief Minister and Attorney-General



FIONA BROWN - AFFIDAVIT

 

[Festerz]

The ACT corruption probe into Wally Sofronoff is entering its final stages with the draft report having been sent to parties for comment.

 

[Kurve]

The ACT corruption probe into Wally Sofronoff is entering its final stages with the draft report having been sent to parties for comment.

Good, I'm looking forward to it.

 

[Festerz]

Good, I'm looking forward to it.

Given we are talking about the actions of a formerly highly respected KC, with a long list of high profile friends and associates I would not be raising my expectations of a set of damning clear cut public findings on his actions.

The devil will be in reading between the lines. And the published commentaries of qualified and impartial judicial analysts who can interpret them.

 

[BFew]

Bruce Lehrmann seeks judge-only trial for Toowoomba rape charges

Former Liberal staffer has been indicted over alleged rape in Queensland city in October 2021 and is yet to enter a plea

www.theguardian.com

'Thu 23 Jan 2025 12.05 AEDT
...
On Thursday, Judge Dennis Lynch KC, set a date of 27 March for the court to consider a number of pretrial applications, including that from Lehrmann’s defence that there be no jury determine his outcome.

Crown prosecutor Caroline Marco did not indicate whether she would seek to challenge that application.'

 

[Festerz]

Bruce Lehrmann seeks judge-only trial for Toowoomba rape charges

Former Liberal staffer has been indicted over alleged rape in Queensland city in October 2021 and is yet to enter a plea

www.theguardian.com

'Thu 23 Jan 2025 12.05 AEDT
...
On Thursday, Judge Dennis Lynch KC, set a date of 27 March for the court to consider a number of pretrial applications, including that from Lehrmann’s defence that there be no jury determine his outcome.

Crown prosecutor Caroline Marco did not indicate whether she would seek to challenge that application.'

Further to what is contained in the Guardian summary:

Defence solicitor Rowan King told Judge Dennis Lynch that barrister Patrick Wilson would make three pre-trial applications for Lehrmann:

"There's an application for a judge-alone trial, there's also an application in respect to potential protection of records and a joint application in regards to uncharged sexual contact," Mr King said.

As previously discussed in this thread, under Queensland law a trial can be heard without a jury and the judge handing down verdicts if "it is in the interests of justice to do so". The grounds for a judge-only trial include the hearings are lengthy or complex, or both, or "there has been significant pre-trial publicity that may affect jury deliberations". I am guessing that Lehrmann's application for a Judge alone trial will be approved for that reason.

Note that both prosecutors and Lehrmann have yet to formally file applications ahead of a District Court trial, which does not have a date for starting.

Judge Lynch on Thursday ordered prosecutors and Lehrmann to file their applications by March 14.
Lehrmann's bail conditions were extended ahead of a pre-trial directions hearing at Toowoomba District Court on March 27.

 

[GrayRanga]

Further to what is contained in the Guardian summary:

Defence solicitor Rowan King told Judge Dennis Lynch that barrister Patrick Wilson would make three pre-trial applications for Lehrmann:

"There's an application for a judge-alone trial, there's also an application in respect to potential protection of records and a joint application in regards to uncharged sexual contact," Mr King said.

As previously discussed in this thread, under Queensland law a trial can be heard without a jury and the judge handing down verdicts if "it is in the interests of justice to do so". The grounds for a judge-only trial include the hearings are lengthy or complex, or both, or "there has been significant pre-trial publicity that may affect jury deliberations". I am guessing that Lehrmann's application for a Judge alone trial will be approved for that reason.

Note that both prosecutors and Lehrmann have yet to formally file applications ahead of a District Court trial, which does not have a date for starting.

Judge Lynch on Thursday ordered prosecutors and Lehrmann to file their applications by March 14.
Lehrmann's bail conditions were extended ahead of a pre-trial directions hearing at Toowoomba District Court on March 27.

Does he think that if he can hold the trial off till after May and Dutton gets in he'll get a Trump like pardon?

I can see the headlines now from the usual commentators

 

[Festerz]

Does he think that if he can hold the trial off till after May and Dutton gets in he'll get a Trump like pardon?

I can see the headlines now from the usual commentators

While Lehrmann's defence team have done their best to delay the procedural process in the interests of their clients, the procedural delays in the criminal trial process are not unique to this case or to Queensland.

I know I'm a broken record on this, but we are asking a lot of our victims of sexual assault to endure multiple years of delays in having their cases heard in Court, if they ever get to trial.

Who could dare question the motives of those victims who decide to withdraw their allegations under such circumstances? The Lehrmann saga will only serve to scare other victims from trusting the criminal justice system to deliver justice to them.

Meanwhile, the associated privately funded civil defamation cases of Bruce Lehrmann and Senator Linda Karen Reynolds proceed at speed.

Justice at a price.