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 staff 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 as a consequence of hand down his resolution 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 mentioned 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 Lodge.
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 bought 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 commenced Googling of sequence of internet sites to attempt to make that occur,” Auerbach mentioned.
Auerbach claimed Lehrmann was then reimbursed by Seven for his “per diems” in the course of the journey to Sydney.
He was cross-examined by Lehrmann’s barrister Matthew Richardson, who urged 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 cost receipt.
Auerbach additionally mentioned he had paid for Thai massages for Lehrmann on a Seven company bank card.
Richardson urged 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
