The former Liberal staffer, now fallen from grace, had initiated a defamation lawsuit against Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson. This legal action stemmed from an interview aired on The Project in 2021, during which Brittany Higgins alleged she was raped by him.

In a significant ruling in April 2024, Justice Michael Lee concluded that Lehrmann had, more likely than not, sexually assaulted Higgins in Parliament House back in 2019 following a night out.

Lehrmann, now 30, faced another legal issue today in Hobart regarding a November 2024 episode where he allegedly took off with a Toyota Prado without authorization.

The case unfolded before magistrate Robert Webster during a “contest mention” hearing, though much of the information remains under court-imposed suppression.

Prosecutor Bunewat Keo informed the court that the initial charge of car theft had been reduced to operating a vehicle without the owner’s consent.

Although Burrows was present in court, Lehrmann was notably absent, defying a prior directive from Webster that mandated his appearance to avoid potential arrest.

Prior to the hearing, Burrows told waiting journalists that her client was “not in a good way”, asking for compassionate coverage.

The matter continues before the Hobart Magistrates Court.