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What Happens NEXT For Brittany Higgins And Her Accused Rapist: Judge Suggests Second Trial Will Be Held After Case Sentenced Dismissal
- Bruce Lehrmann on trial charged with raping Brittany Higgins in 2019
- Jury was fired on Thursday after juror brought investigation into jury room
- Justice Lucy McCallum said a second trial could begin in February next year
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Brittany Higgins’ accused rapist, Bruce Lehrmann, may face another trial in February next year after the jury was sensationally dismissed in the case.
Chief Justice Lucy McCallum fired the 12 jurors shortly after 10 a.m. Thursday morning after one of them brought an academic research paper on sexual assault into the jury room.
Lehrmann was on trial, charged with the rape of the political staffer after a drunken night out in March 2019. He had pleaded not guilty.
The jurors were explicitly and repeatedly instructed not to investigate beyond what is presented to them in court.
In the wake of her decision, Judge McCallum suggested the trial could be repeated early next year.
“I intend to have this trial again before February 20, 2023,” Judge McCallum said.
She said Lehrmann should submit all threatening international routes to the police two weeks in advance. He was released on bail.
Brittany Higgins’ (pictured) rapist Bruce Lehrmann may be on trial again next February after the jury was sensationally dismissed in the case
“It’s now about four months until the retrial, if it comes,” said Judge McCallum.
“As I’ve said many times in court, the accused is just that. He is a person who is accused and should never be convicted of a criminal offence.’
Prosecutor Skye Jerome tried to impose bail conditions on Lehrmann not to contact Ms Higgins, her parents or David Sharaz.
He must also tell the police where he lives and notify them of any changes to the property. Ms Jerome asked him to surrender his passport, to which attorney Steven Whybrow objected.
Justice McCallum said coverage of the case will be “silent” after Thursday so Lehrmann can get a fair trial if another comes.
Bruce Lehrmann (pictured) was on trial, charged with the rape of the political staffer after a drunken night out in March 2019. He had pleaded innocent.
Ms. Higgins burst into tears when she learned that the trial would be aborted as she appeared in court for the first time since her testimony.
Judge McCallum said: “It has come to my attention that one of you has been investigating matters in the case and material has entered the jury room that should not have been.
“I’ve heard a statement and it may be that no damage has been done, but that’s not a risk I can take. I fired that juror and I have to fire you all.
“Can I please convey my sincere gratitude for the hard work you have done in this process.
“With those comments, you’re fired and you’re free to leave.”
She later explained why the jury was fired.
“While routinely clearing the jury room after the proceedings yesterday, one of the sheriffs accidentally knocked on the floor one of the jurors’ file folders,” she told the court.
More to come