Bruce Lehrmann’s cocaine use exposed as he sues Network 10, Lisa Wilkinson for defamation

Bruce Lehrmann did not go to bed until 6.30am the day after The Project’s interview with Brittany Higgins aired and after he contacted a drug dealer, a court has heard.

Mr Lehrmann returned to the Federal Court on Tuesday for what will be his fifth day in the witness stand after launching defamation proceedings against journalist Lisa Wilkinson and Network 10 over Ms Wilkinson’s interview with Brittany Higgins on The Project, which aired on February 15, 2021.

He has consistently and fervently denied Ms Higgins’ allegation that he sexually assaulted her in Senator Linda Reynolds’ office in Parliament House in the early hours of March 23, 2019.

Ms Higgins is due to give evidence in the coming days as a witness for Network 10.

‘JOHN’S BACKUP GUY’

Ten’s barrister Dr Matt Collins KC previously read to the court texts Mr Lehrmann exchanged with his friends the night The Project aired, in which they discussed obtaining cocaine.

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“The next message you were telling him to bring something with him … Was that because you decided to spend some time that night with friends and that substance,” Ten’s barrister Dr Matt Collins asked.

“Yes Dr Collins, I spiralled pretty quickly,” Mr Lehrmann told the court.

The court heard on Tuesday Mr Lehrmann sent a text message at 1.02am the following morning to a contact in his phone named “John’s backup guy”.

“Hey mate you around tonight for one?” Mr Lehrmann texted.

“Was that a drug dealer?” Dr Collins asked.

“Yes,” Mr Lehrmann said.

Bruce Lehrmann returns to the Federal Court on Tuesday for what will be his fifth day in witness stand. NCA NewsWire / David Swift Credit: News Corp Australia

The court heard that just after 6.30am that morning he sent a text message to friends saying: “Have headed home gentlemen, stay safe.”

When asked by Dr Collins whether he had stayed up all night, Mr Lehrmann said: “It appeared that way.”

“Are you able to explain why your affidavit says you’ve only gone home to your residence with a couple of friends and you’ve hardly slept,” Dr Collins asked.

“My recollection Is I went home at some point, I clearly didn’t recall either going out again and coming back home.”

Lisa Wilkinson and Bruce Lehrmann at the Federal Court on Tuesday with her lawyer Chrysanthou. NCA NewsWire / David Swift Credit: News Corp Australia

Lisa Wilkinson is defending the lawsuit. NCA NewsWire/Damian Shaw. Credit: News Corp Australia

THE NOTES

On Monday, Mr Lehrmann was grilled about the conflicting versions of events he gave to various people about why he went back to Parliament House in the early hours of March 23, 2019 after drinking at several Canberra pubs, including The Dock and 88MPH.

He admitted to lying to Parliament House security that morning that he was there to pick up documents for Senator Reynolds and he later told his boss Fiona Brown that he went back there to drink alcohol.

Mr Lehrmann told the court that he went back to collect his keys and spent 30 to 40 minutes writing ministerial notes while they were fresh in his mind after being given information at The Dock.

He was grilled by Dr Collins as to why he needed to make notes early that morning when he had been drinking for several hours.

“Can you identify any information that you learned either at The Dock or 88MPH on the 22nd of March that was relevant to the work you were doing for the minister concerning question time briefs,” Dr Collins asked.

“Not now, I don’t have those folders,” Mr Lehrmann said.

Mr Lehrmann added that the information related to the “French submarine contract”.

On the stand on Monday, Mr Lehrmann admitted he was finishing up the following week, he had already completed all his work in the minister’s office and Question Time wasn’t sitting the following week.

“Mr Lehrmann, there was no need whatsoever to be writing on Question Time folders at 2am on the 23rd of March 2019,” Dr Collins asked.

“I disagree,” Mr Lehrmann said.

Bruce Lehrmann is suing over Brittany Higgins’ interview with Lisa Wilkinson on The Project. Credit: Channel 10

Mr Lehrmann stood trial in the ACT Supreme Court last year after pleading not guilty to one count of sexual assault.

But the trial was aborted due to juror misconduct.

The charges were subsequently dropped and no findings have been made against him. He continues to deny the allegation.

The trial before Justice Michael Lee continues.