HIGGINS’ SPEECH REFERRED TO POLICE
A STATEMENT given by Brittany Higgins outside a Canberra courtroom has been referred to the Australian Federal Police and the ACT Supreme Court.
It comes as the jury in the case of Bruce Lehrmann was dismissed and the trial aborted following a juror misconduct.
Mr Lehrmann, 27, has pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse with Ms Higgins without her consent and being reckless to her consent in Parliament House in the early hours of March 23, 2019.
After 12 days of evidence and five days of deliberations, Chief Justice Lucy McCallum on Thursday told the court that an academic paper about false sexual assault complaints had been found among a juror’s belongings.
Ms McCallum said she had no other option than to discharge the jury. (Full story, Page 14).
Mr Lehrmann emerged from court a short time after. Barrister Steve Whybrow told journalists that while he was “disappointed” he would not comment.
Later, Ms Higgins left the court surrounded by family and supporters, with tears in her eyes.
“I chose to speak up … I told the truth. No matter how uncomfortable or unflattering to the court,” she told reporters.
Hours later, Mr Whybrow confirmed he had referred the matter to the police.
“Notwithstanding Her Honour’s admonition, the complainant proceeded to give what appears to have been a pre-prepared speech to the media outside the court,” he said.
“We have brought these comments to the attention of the court and the Australian Federal Police, and it is not appropriate for Mr Lehrmann or his lawyers to make any comment as to whether the complainant’s statements might amount to a contempt of court or offences against the ACT Criminal Code.
“Neither Mr Lehrmann nor his lawyers will be making any further comment on this matter at this stage.”
Mr Lehrmann has been granted bail until a new trial, scheduled for February 20, 2023.
He cannot contact Ms Higgins or her family.