Bruce Lerhmann accused of causing $13,000 worth of damage to luxury property he rented as part of TV interview deal
Bruce Lehrmann caused more than $13,000 worth of damage to a multimillion-dollar property he rented as part of an exclusive TV interview deal, according to a tribunal.
Lady Gaenor Meakes, the owner of the house Sydney‘s northern beaches, leased the property to Lehrmann, with Seven Network picking up the $100,000 bill.
She has now initiated proceedings against Lehrmann for material damage and loss of rent.
A conciliation hearing in the N.S.W The Civil and Administrative Tribunal was told on Wednesday that Lehrmann left the Balgowlah estate with $13,250 worth of damage when he moved out.
Lady Meakes also claims she is owed $6,000 in lost rent because Lehrmann left the property three weeks early.
During a short session of the tribunal, where Lehrmann was not present, the parties were unable to reach an agreement.
Lady Meakes’ daughter Matilda, who appeared at the tribunal on behalf of her mother, told reporters that “it’s been quite a ride” as she left the building.
The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal was told on Wednesday that Lehrmann (pictured) left Balgowlah’s property with $13,250 in damage when he moved
Lady Gaenor Meakes (pictured) also claims she is owed $6,000 in lost rent because Lehrmann left the property three weeks early
The Balgowlah property (pictured) is currently for rent with an asking price of just under $2,000 per week.
When asked if the family knew Lehrmann was the tenant of the luxury property, Mrs Meakes replied: ‘I don’t think anyone would willingly rent to him, would they?’
The property is currently for rent with an asking price of just under $2,000 per week.
Lady Meakes is married to champion sailor Mark Richards, known for his long term as skipper of Wild Oats XI, the nine-time winner of line honors at the annual Sydney-Hobart sailing race.
The case will be referred to the tribunal on June 27 for further directions.
Lehrmann filed a last-minute appeal against his defamation loss in the Federal Court in late May, following a TV interview that aired allegations that he raped fellow Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins at Parliament House in March 2019.
After a long and closely watched trial, a judge ruled that the rape allegations were likely true and dismissed the 28-year-old’s case against broadcaster Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson.
Lehrmann’s appeal came despite the court previously hearing that he had no financiers in his case and that his lawyers had worked on a ‘no-win, no-fee’ basis.
He is expected to face a multi-million dollar legal bill to cover Ten and Wilkinson’s costs of defending the defamation lawsuit.
Details of Lehrmann’s deal with Seven to pay the rent for the Balgowlah property were revealed during the defamation trial, when the court examined his agreement for a tell-all interview on his flagship Spotlight current affairs programme.
His previous criminal trial in the ACT Supreme Court on the rape charge was abandoned due to juror misconduct and prosecutors decided not to proceed with the case due to concerns about Ms Higgins’ mental health.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redressal Support Service 1800 211 028
