Bruce Lehrmann speaks on inquiry into aborted rape trial after Brittany Higgins allegations
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Bruce Lehrmann breaks his silence after announcing an investigation into his aborted rape trial against Brittany Higgins
- Bruce Lehrmann broke his silence on Wednesday to ‘welcome’ the investigation
- The former political official has not spoken about the rape trial since it began
- Former colleague Brittany Higgins alleged she was raped by him at Parliament House
- Lehrmann has repeatedly and forcefully denied the rape allegations.
The ACT government will press ahead with an inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann’s aborted trial, and the former parliamentary staffer will “welcome” the news.
The Territory’s Attorney General Shane Rattenbury and Chief Minister Andrew Barr announced the independent inquiry on Wednesday after a series of “complaints and allegations” were made in connection with the trial.
The investigation will consider whether the functions of the criminal justice entities were ‘carried out with adequate rigour, impartiality and independence’.
Lehrmann, who was charged with sexually assaulting fellow liberal Brittany Higgins, has pleaded not guilty to a single count of sexual intercourse without consent.
In a statement issued by his legal team shortly after the announcement, on his behalf, Lehrmann said he hoped the investigation would be thorough.
“Mr. Lehrmann welcomes an investigation and hopes that the terms of reference will extend to an examination of all aspects of this matter, including the decisions not to prosecute various individuals and the efforts made by the DPP to ensure a trial. fair,” the statement read.
Bruce Lehrmann at his rape trial in November. The trial was aborted due to jury misconduct.
Barr said a full investigation was the most appropriate response given the “high-profile” nature of the trial and the “serious” allegations made.
“I want to make it clear that this investigation is not about reviewing the trial, any evidence at trial or the outcome of the trial,” Rattenbury said.
Instead, the investigation will consider elements including the decision not to proceed to a new trial and the conduct of police investigators and the Director of the Public Ministry (DPP).
It will also consider whether the support provided by the Crime Victims Commissioner to Ms Higgins aligned with the relevant statutory framework and the legal framework for addressing jury misconduct.
The inquest may hold hearings, both public and private, issue search warrants, compel the production of documents and certify the appearance of witnesses and take their statements under oath.
Brittany Higgins speaking outside court after the trial was mistrial due to a juror bringing outside material into the courtroom
ACT Policing, the DPP and the Commissioner for Victims of Crime have indicated their intention to cooperate with the Investigation.
The ACT government has yet to identify an ’eminent legal expert’ to carry out the investigation.
The terms of reference and key deadlines will be finalized in consultation with that expert in January 2023, with the final report scheduled for June 30.
Whether that report will be made public is a matter of investigation, Barr said.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr and his government will appoint a legal expert to carry out the investigation.
Lehrmann is alleged to have raped Ms Higgins inside Linda Reynolds’ ministerial office at Parliament House after a night of drinking with work colleagues in March 2019.
Mr. Lehrmann strongly denied the allegation and denied having a sexual relationship with Ms. Higgins.
He faced trial earlier this year, but the jury was acquitted in October after misconduct by one of the jurors was discovered.
Mr Lehrmann was scheduled to face a retrial in the ACT High Court in February next year before the prosecution dropped the rape case against him due to the ‘unacceptable’ risk to Ms Higgins’ life.