REVEALED: Which rogue juror caused mistrial in Brittany Higgins and Bruce Lehrmann case, judge told
- Juror brought banned material to deliberations
- The material looked at the frequency of false rape claims
- Conversation between juror and judge has been released
A juror responsible for the complete collapse of the Bruce Lehrmann rape trial told the judge they were “deeply sorry” for bringing banned material into the jury room.
Mr Lehrmann was tried in October last year before a 12-member jury in the ACT Supreme Court over allegations that he raped Brittany Higgins in Parliament House in March 2019.
He had pleaded not guilty and continues to maintain his innocence.
Chief Justice Lucy McCallum fired the 12-member jury because a member brought investigative materials into the deliberation room about the frequency of false sexual assault complaints.
Bruce Lehrmann was tried last October before a 12-member jury in the ACT Supreme Court over allegations that he raped Brittany Higgins.
Chief Justice Lucy McCallum dismissed the 12-member jury because a member brought investigative material into the deliberation room
The juror, who cannot be identified, was questioned by Justice McCallum at a closed hearing.
A transcript of that hearing has now been released by the Commission of Inquiry during an investigation into how the trial was handled by prosecutors and police.
According to a transcript of the exchange, the juror told the judge, “I am very sorry.
“I’m willing to take responsibility for that, Your Honor, if you think it appropriate,” the juror said.
Judge McCallum replied, “That is a matter for you, but I remind you that it is an offense to disclose your considerations.”
“So I’d rather you keep your anonymity.”
More to follow