A Canberra man has faced court accused of sending a series of offensive text messages to high-profile lawyer Zali Burrows, who represented Bruce Lehrmann, in what a magistrate described as a 'bizarre' incident.
Court hears details of alleged harassment
Christopher James Richards, 43, appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court via video link on Monday, November 17, 2025, charged with using a carriage service to menace or harass.
Magistrate Glenn Theakston said the messages were 'clearly designed to make her feel uncomfortable' and contained language calling the prominent Sydney criminal defence lawyer 'aggressive and vile'.
The court heard Richards allegedly contacted Ms Burrows on August 21, 2025 - the same day she made headlines for telling the Federal Court that Brittany Higgins had been the victim of a 'soft rape' during Lehrmann's appeal proceedings.
Accused appears under unusual circumstances
Richards appeared in court via video link huddled at a table with what appeared to be a blanket over his head, at times completely obscuring his face with the material.
Magistrate Theakston noted the alleged offending was likely connected to mental health disorders and described the behaviour as 'bizarre'.
A prosecutor argued Richards posed a risk of reoffending, citing similar offences against seven people between April 2024 and October 2025. All victims were 'only exercising their employment functions' and were entitled to feel safe, the court heard.
Bail granted with strict conditions
Despite prosecution concerns, Magistrate Theakston granted Richards bail with specific conditions designed to prevent further incidents.
The bail conditions prohibit Richards from using a phone except in the presence of a support worker or during genuine emergencies.
Defence lawyer Eimear Silk successfully argued for bail, telling the court her client faced losing his public housing property and pets if taken into custody. She said Richards had multiple mental health disorders and would struggle with the 'bright lights' and loud noises of the Alexander Maconochie Centre.
The matter will return to court next month as Richards continues to deal with the charges against him.
