Judge Approves Release of Facts In Beating Case

Judge Approves Release of Facts In Beating Case

By RONALD SULLIVAN

LEAD: The disclosure of damaging evidence against Joel B. Steinberg at a bail hearing would not deprive him of a fair trial on charges that he murdered 6-year-old Lisa Steinberg, a New York judge ruled yesterday.

The disclosure of damaging evidence against Joel B. Steinberg at a bail hearing would not deprive him of a fair trial on charges that he murdered 6-year-old Lisa Steinberg, a New York judge ruled yesterday.

At a hearing in Manhattan Supreme Court on Mr. Steinberg's bail application, Acting Justice Harold J. Rothwax said, after hearing the evidence in his robing room, ''I am satisfied that the disclosures are not meaningfully or significantly different from those already made public.''

He ordered the evidence released tomorrow.

Ira D. London, a lawyer for Mr. Steinberg, said he would appeal the ruling, asking the Appellate Division of the State Supreme Court to suppress the evidence. Lawyers for New York newspapers and television stations said they would file briefs in support of releasing the evidence.

Meanwhile, Justice Rothwax adjourned Mr. Steinberg's bail hearing until June 13. He is now being held without bail in protective custody at Rikers Island.

An assistant district attorney, John McCusker, said he was prepared to offer damaging evidence dealing with Mr. Steinberg's character, habits, reputation and mental condition.

In his ruling, Justice Rothwax said there was ''no justification'' that public disclosure of the evidence would prevent jury selection or deprive Mr. Steinberg of a fair trial.

The trial is not expected to begin until September.