Bruce Lehrmann to apply to stop trial over alleged sexual assault of Brittany Higgins

Defence lawyer also tells court he will ask Australian media companies to remove certain articles related to the case and will seek a court order if they fail to comply

Bruce Lehrmann's lawyers will seek a permanent stay of the prosecution against him for the alleged sexual assault of Brittany Higgins.

At an ACT Supreme Court hearing on Wednesday Lehrmann's counsel, David Campbell, confirmed he had instructions to seek a stay - permanent or temporary - of the trial, scheduled for 6 June. Campbell cited publicity around allegations which he will argue makes it impossible for his client to receive a fair trial.