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In the photo: Brittany Higgins with her boyfriend David Sharaz
Brittany Higgins is in ‘fragile’ condition in a psychiatric clinic, her boyfriend says, as he blasts his former boss, Linda Reynolds, claiming she has ‘leaked’ information about a $3 million lawsuit against him to the media .
Ms Higgins’ legal team is preparing to launch civil court proceedings against the Commonwealth, Ms Reynolds and former Federal Minister Michaelia Cash after an alleged sexual assault case in which she was a whistleblower was dropped.
Their attorneys have sent documents to all parties that state the intent to sue for sexual harassment, sex discrimination, disability discrimination, neglect, and victimization.
Ms Higgins, 28, alleged that Lehrmann, 27, sexually assaulted her inside Parliament House in Canberra in March 2019. She has pleaded not guilty and denied any sexual interaction with Ms Higgins.
The first case was dropped in October after a three and a half week trial because a juror brought prohibited research material to the ACT High Court.
A retrial was scheduled for February 20, but on Friday ACT Public Prosecutor Shane Drumgold announced he was dropping the case entirely due to Ms Higgins’ mental health.
The civil case, which is due to begin mediation talks between the parties in Canberra on December 13, was revealed by the Sydney Morning Herald on Sunday afternoon.
Hours later, Ms Higgins’ boyfriend, David Sharaz, unleashed a scathing message on Twitter about Ms Reynolds, calling her a “harasser” and accusing her of alerting the media to the civil matter without the alleged victim’s permission. or their lawyers.
Brittany Higgins is seen leaving the ACT High Court with her boyfriend David Sharaz
Ms. Higgins was working for Senator Reynolds at the time of the alleged incident, before leaving to take up a position with Senator Cash.
Both testified during the ACT Supreme Court trial of alleged rapist Bruce Lehrmann in October.
Mr. Sharaz tweeted: “First, Linda sent her husband to see a victim’s cross-examination and was texting the defense team.”
Now he’s leaking inside information to the newspaper while Britt is lying fragile in a clinic.
‘When will the bullying @lindareynoldswa end?’
Mr Sharaz referred to the moment during the trial in October when it was revealed that Ms Reynolds’s partner was sitting in the back of the courtroom as Ms Higgins testified.
Ms. Reynolds was a witness for the prosecution and was not allowed to sit in court before testifying. She insisted that her partner did not tell her what was said in court.
He then admitted to texting Lehrmann’s lawyer, Steven Whybrow, during the cross-examination of Ms Higgins. It is not suggested that his partner told him what was said in court.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ms Reynolds for comment.
Ms Higgins will sue the Commonwealth and her two former bosses, Senators Linda Reynolds (right) and Michaelia Cash (left)
Bruce Lehrmann arrives at the ACT High Court in Canberra, Thursday October 27th for the rape trial.
Moments after Drumgold announced he was dropping the case, Higgins’ close friend Emma Webster revealed that he was in hospital “getting the treatment and support he needs.”
In his tweet on Sunday, Sharaz revealed that he was still in a clinic receiving treatment.
Blumers Personal Injury Lawyers has indicated that it is moving forward with the compensation claim for Ms. Higgins.
The Canberra-based firm has sent documents to both its client’s former bosses and the Commonwealth stating its intent to sue for sexual harassment, sex discrimination, disability discrimination, neglect and victimization.
Includes $2.5 million for future economic losses, up to $100,000 for past economic losses, $100,000 for general damages, $20,0000 for future assistance with household duties, and $150,000 for past and future out-of-pocket expenses.
Senator Reynolds confirmed that Ms Higgins’ lawyers informed her on Friday of their intentions to move forward with the claim, The Age reported.
Brittany Higgins’ partner David Sharaz (pictured together) criticized the former defense minister for allegedly disclosing information about civil proceedings.
“I confirm that the Blumers Law Firm, acting on behalf of Brittany Higgins, informed me in March of this year of a civil claim by Ms. Higgins against me and other parties,” Ms. Reynolds said.
‘However, no proceedings have yet been filed. Blumers informed me Friday that his client intends to move forward with the civil lawsuit this month.
An official claim has yet to be filed as the parties involved prepare to start mediation talks on December 13.
Sources who have seen the legal document state that Ms Higgins will seek compensation for lost income, future income and support at home.
Sources close to Reynolds said he agreed to a time extension that would expire on Tuesday, meaning Higgins’ lawyers would have to bring their case to court by then.
Noor Blumer, a founding partner of Blumers Lawyers, is understood to have been quietly negotiating the claim since February.
She has declined to comment on the matter or any mediation talks.
Ms Higgins’ lawyer, Leon Zwier, who supported her during the criminal case in Canberra, is aware of the claim.