A former Seven community producer has detailed his dealings with Bruce Lehrmann and testified in courtroom that the previous political staffer purchased cocaine and tried to order intercourse employees to a lodge.
Taylor Auerbach appeared in courtroom to offer proof in Lehrmann’s defamation trial towards Community Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson.
Justice Michael Lee had been attributable to hand down his determination on Thursday, however the case was reopened to listen to proof concerning the circumstances surrounding an interview with Lehrmann on Seven’s Highlight program.
Auerbach, who beforehand labored on this system, testified a few assembly with Lehrmann in 2023 whereas attempting to safe the interview.
He stated he was assigned to behave as Lehrmann’s “babysitter” and his function was to construct a relationship with the possible interviewee.
Auerbach advised the courtroom Lehrmann had purchased a bag of cocaine whereas they ate dinner at Franca restaurant in Sydney earlier than heading to the Meriton Resort.
Former Seven community Highlight producer Taylor Auerbach has given proof within the defamation case introduced by ex-Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann towards the Ten community and journalist Lisa Wilkinson. Supply: AAP / Dean Lewins
“Once we received upstairs to the room, he pulled that [cocaine] out and began to place it on a plate after which began speaking to me a few potential Highlight story and his need to order prostitutes to the Meriton that evening and started Googling of sequence of internet sites to try to make that occur,” Auerbach stated.
Auerbach claimed Lehrmann was then reimbursed by Seven for his “per diems” throughout the journey to Sydney.
He was cross-examined by Lehrmann’s barrister Matthew Richardson, who instructed Lehrmann had not been reimbursed by Seven for the per diems.
Auerback disagreed, however conceded he had solely seen invoices from Lehrmann and had not seen a fee receipt.
Auerbach additionally stated he had paid for Thai massages for Lehrmann on a Seven company bank card.
Richardson instructed he was motivated to incorporate this in his affidavit to “humiliate” Lehrmann. Auerbach denied this.
Seven has labelled the allegations “false and deceptive”.
The matter will proceed in courtroom on Friday.
–Further reporting by AAP