Overview
- Judge Deborah Richards on Monday set aside a subpoena that sought the documentary Silenced, all unused b‑roll, transcripts and the film’s distribution schedule because the material was not currently relevant to the criminal case.
- Lehrmann’s solicitor had pursued the material to test whether an injunction could stop the film being shown before or during his Toowoomba rape trial.
- The court found the film covers Brittany Higgins’ personal experience and adds nothing new to public reporting, and noted Higgins is not a witness in Lehrmann’s upcoming trial.
- Stranger Than Fiction Films told the court the subpoena was an abuse of process with no legitimate forensic purpose and the producers have indicated they will seek legal costs from Lehrmann.
- Lehrmann remains charged with two counts of rape and is due to stand trial on November 2, 2026, and the decision means any future bid to limit the film’s local release will face a high legal hurdle.