Ms Higgins drank 11 standard alcoholic drinks in 4.5 hours with Mr Lehrmann and by about 1am was so intoxicated she was stumbling and fell over and she told the people that she was with that she was going to catch a taxi home. During his opening address to the 16-person jury, the ACT director of public prosecutions, Shane Drumgold SC, said the jury would hear evidence Higgins had been as drunk as she had ever been in her life on the night of the alleged assault after a long drinking session at the Dock and 88mph bars in Canberra. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here. Mr Lehrmann, 27, has pleaded not guilty and. Wilkinson left The Project last year but remains a Ten employee. They say Wilkinson is an experienced, accomplished and careful journalist of more than 40 years experience who has interviewed 10 Australian prime ministers and various other world leaders, reported from disaster zones, and reported on live breaking news on a daily basis. They included Reynolds, the former defence minister, as well as Channel 10 journalist Lisa Wilkinson and News Corp reporter Samantha Maiden, who first aired the allegations in media reporting. Allow up to 5 days for home delivery to commence (10 days in WA). Wilkinsons defence, filed on Wednesday, shows she will argue that Lehrmann was not identified in the interview. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. Weekend Paper is for The Weekend Australian delivered on a Saturday. It can now be revealed that Lehrmann was accused of sexually harassing or assaulting other women in articles that have since been deleted, after a suppression order was lifted on Friday afternoon. Lehrmann is suing Wilkinson and Network Ten in the federal court over Wilkinsons interview with Higgins on The Project, which was broadcast in February 2021. Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates. His trial was aborted due to juror misconduct and prosecutors declined to proceed with a retrial, citing concerns about Higginss mental health. He says the articles defamed him by implying he continued to rape Brittany Higgins after she woke up mid-rape and she was crying and telling him to stop and left her on a couch in a state of undress. If you are feeling emotionally distressed and would like details of organisations in the UK which offer advice and support, go to bbc.co.uk/actionline. His dishonesty was deliberate and knowing and occurred in the course of the investigation of a crime, which amounted to perverting the course of justice. Lehrmann offered to share a taxi with Higgins, having told her that they were headed in the same direction, but once both were in the taxi, Lehrmann told Higgins that he had to stop somewhere first, the document states. DeSantis won't say he's running. She said people who had attended the March for Justice in March 2021, followed Higgins on Twitter or attended a function at which she spoke should consider if they had signed up to one view or another on the case. The lawyers set out Wilkinsons sources and add that to Wilkinsons knowledge, extensive fact checking of the allegations made by Higgins was undertaken for some weeks by Network Ten including senior lawyers, senior news and current affairs executive Peter Meakin, and The Projects head of longform feature stories. Channel 10's Lisa Wilkinson has filed her defence in the defamation case brought by former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann accusing him of lying to police about taking "an intoxicated Brittany . HIGH PROFILE HIGGINS CASE The LNP staffer 'absolutely' rejects the sex attack claims 2021-08-09 - . Lehrmanns lawyers have asked the court to extend a one-year limitation period for bringing a defamation claim because the interviews at the centre of the lawsuits, marking Higgins first comments in public, were published two years ago. Can you tell me why you introduced a sexual assault and harassment policy in 2017? You can access the latest stories from the journalists youre following here. See www.theaustralian.com.au/subscriptiontermsfor full details. Enter your email address below and click on the follow button. The evidence makes it clear that this is not limited to the harm of giving evidence in a witness box [and] rather applies whether or not the complainant is required to enter a witness box during a retrial., He paid tribute to Higgins as he concluded his brief statement, saying that during the investigation and trial as a sexual assault complainant, [Brittany] Higgins has faced a level of personal attack that I have not seen in over 20 years of doing this work. The case, she said, had become a cause clbre, and any jurors who had signed up as a member of the party faithful should excuse themselves. Bruce Lehrmann, 27, denies sexually assaulting Brittany Higgins on a minister's sofa after a night out in 2019. Sign up here. Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold announced the re-trial of Bruce Lehrmann will not go ahead.Credit:Rhett Wyman. See www.theaustralian.com.au/subscriptiontermsfor full details. His lawyer, Steven Whybrow, had argued parts of Ms Higgins's evidence were "totally and utterly inconsistent". Lisa Wilkinsons defamation documents reveal she will fight with a truth defence, find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-out here. Her lawyers said she underwent extensive fact checking for weeks, including some done by Network Tens senior lawyers, but credited Ms Higgins as a credible witness. The sexual assault case against former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann has been dropped.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen. Lehrmann, seated in the courtroom wearing a navy suit and glasses, rose and entered a not guilty plea before the empanelment of a 16-person jury. Her allegations were a catalyst for what has been called Australia's "Me Too moment", sparking huge protests over the safety of women, particularly in politics. I also think the police should start asking questions at the Australian National University as the above is enough to at least raise the polices suspicions that maybe it is bigger than the current allegations against Bruce Lehrmann and there could be more victims/survivors. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. The jury was told Lehrmann and Higgins arrived at parliament at about 1.41am on the night of the alleged assault. Lehrmann has always maintained his innocence. Most Universities have problems with sexual assault so you would expect them to have policies to address it and the ANU would have had those policies for years. No cancellations during the first 12 months. Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. The trial heard that Mr Lehrmann and Ms Higgins worked in the same office - for then-Defence Industry Minister Linda Reynolds. The Bruce Lehrmann and Brittany Higgins trial that gripped the nation is approaching an end with the jury now deliberating their decision. Deeply sorry: Shock comments on Brittany. After the first 12 weeks, the cost is $40 billed approximately 4 weekly. Read our privacy policy for more info. Brittany is extremely grateful for all the support she has received, particularly from our mental health care workers.. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. She reported the alleged rape in the days afterwards but initially did not proceed with her complaint because she feared for her career, a jury heard. The independent inquiry into the prosecution of Bruce Lehrmann for the alleged rape of Brittany Higgins will hold its first public hearing on April 26. In her defence of qualified privilege, Ms Wilkinson argues that she acted reasonable as an experienced, accomplished and careful journalist. Visit the Kangaroo Court of Australia shop by clicking on the above picture. She will also argue the one-year limitation period for bringing a defamation claim should apply. cost) for the first 12 months, billed as $60 every 4 weeks. Sign up for Guardian Australias free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup. To this end, we want to prevent discrimination in all its forms and make all events as inclusive as possible. She sought particulars of identification from Lehrmann through her solicitors on 15 February 2023 and those particulars have not been sufficiently supplied, her defence states. Lehrmann filed Federal Court defamation proceedings against Ten and Wilkinson last month over Wilkinsons interview with Higgins on The Project, broadcast on February 15, 2021, and related publications on the 10Play website and YouTube. The list of potential witnesses also included Morrisons former chief of staff John Kunkel, as well as Cash, the shadow minister for employment and workplace relations. Lawyers for the journalist Lisa Wilkinson will seek to prove the former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann raped his colleague Brittany Higgins as the journalist defends a defamation claim brought against her. It would be highly unlikely he would tell his boss that he returned to the office to drink whiskey, but then tell police that he returned for work purposes, he said. She reported the alleged rape to police in the days afterwards but then did not proceed with her complaint because she was afraid she might lose her job, the jury heard. Bruce Lehrmann has accused two major news organisations of being "recklessly indifferent to the truth" for reporting rape allegations made by his former colleague Brittany Higgins, legal documents . Ten and News Corp would cover any such order. At the time of publication, Ms Wilkinson had multiple sources including Ms Higgins, a photo of Ms Higgins bruised leg, a timeline document, emails, text messages and multiple statements. Bruce Lehrmann (left) and Brittany Higgins arrive separately at the ACT Supreme Court in Canberra on Wednesday. She notes the evidence relied on by Mr Lehrmann to support this was shortly thereafter withdrawn by Ms Higgins in the witness box, in the presence of Mr Lehrmann. Were there ever any complaints against him? Bruce Lehrmann, who was born in Texas, is alleged to have assaulted Brittany Higgins in the early hours of March 23, 2019, on a couch in a senator's office after a night of drinking in. For full details, see our Terms and Conditions www.theaustralian.com.au/connectedterms. Station master arrested after dozens killed in Greece train crash, Survivors describe 'nightmarish seconds' as trains crashed, At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece. The Australian Digital + Weekend Paper Subscription costs $8 billed every 4 weeks for the first 12 weeks, then $48 billed every 4 weeks. In a criminal trial where the liberty of an accused hangs in the balance, the prosecution is held to a much higher standard and must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Lisa Wilkinson and Network Ten are being sued in the federal court over an interview with Brittany Higgins on The Project in February 2021. You will be sent an email to confirm you want to follow this website. While undergoing fact-checking, Ms Wilkinson says she understood there were constant efforts to check the veracity of allegations made by Ms Higgins and was satisfied her claims were truthful. Bruce Lehrmann, 27, denies sexually assaulting Brittany Higgins on a government minister's sofa after a night out in Canberra in 2019. Government sources say he will not be allowed to leave the country. (. The person hasnt responded so I will follow-up and keep digging. Payment will be charged to your Google Account. Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Lehrmann is also suing News Corp and the journalist Samantha Maiden over their reporting of Higginss allegations. He maintains no sex took place. Video, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story, Ed Sheeran says wife developed tumour in pregnancy, Covid origin likely China lab incident - FBI chief, Bieber cancels remaining Justice world tour dates, Ruling party wins Nigeria's presidential election, Uranium particles enriched to 83.7% found in Iran, Pictures show devastation after Greece train disaster, Daily walk prevents one in 10 early deaths - study, Finland starts construction of Russia border fence, Trump lashes out at Murdoch over vote fraud case. The Australian doesn't play nicely with your current browser. Not in conjunction with any other offer. Lehrmann was named in the media on August 7, 2021, after he was charged with one charge of sexual intercourse without consent. Lehrmann had denied ever having sex with Higgins and in a police interview described himself behaving like a gentleman on the night of March 22, 2019, when they were part of a group drinking at The Dock bar in Kingston, and later 88mph nightclub, before the pair shared an Uber and Lehrmann said he needed to drop by parliament. Ms Wilkinsons defence said she gave the political staffer multiple opportunities to respond to her before the broadcast. During that interview Lehrmann falsely denied having sexual intercourse with Higgins, the defence states. Read about our approach to external linking. That work, Drumgold said, involved sticking tabs on a briefing document for the minister. Lehrmann has pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent. Prices after the first 12 months may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. Bruce Lehrmann was an official at the ANU NCMUN conference in 2016 as per the below picture and was still involved at least until February 2017 when they were looking for a new leadership team. A valid active email address and Australian mobile phone number are required for account set up. Ms Higgins said she was the most intoxicated she had been in her life, after spending hours at two Canberra bars, before the pair shared a cab to Parliament House, the jury was told. The defence - which pleads truth and qualified privilege - claims that his dishonesty was deliberate and knowing and occurred in the course of the investigation of a crime, which amounted to perverting the course of justice.. They allege the hurt and harm to Lehrmann was aggravated by the fact that the journalists were, in their words, seeking to exploit the allegations for professional gain. Wilkinson says in her defence that she does not know and cannot admit that the applicant was reasonably identified by any viewer of the initial interview on 15 February 2021. His trial was aborted in October last year due to juror misconduct and the charge was later dropped altogether amid concerns about Higgins mental health. CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 06: Brittany Higgins arrives to give evidence in front of an ACT Supreme Court jury on the third day of the trial of her alleged rapist, Bruce Lehrmann on October 06, 2022 in Canberra, Australia. Media alleged that Bruce Lehrmann assaulted other women: court. It notes that Mr Lehrmann was terminated from his employment at Parliament House for his conduct in committing a security breach that night. A valid active email address and Australian mobile phone number are required for account set up. CCTV evidence to be shown to the trial will suggest Higgins had about 10 drinks and at least one shot on the night, Drumgold said, and that, as a result, her memory was unsurprisingly patchy. Catalog; For You; The Chronicle. In Mr Lehrmanns defamation claim, he alleged the respondents made these four defamatory imputations concerning Mr Lehrmann: He raped Brittany Higgins in Defence Minister Linda Reynolds office in 2019; he continued to rape her after she woke up mid-rape and was crying and telling him to stop at least half a dozen times; whilst raping her, he crushed his leg against her leg so forcefully as to cause a large bruise; after he finished raping her, he left her on a couch in a state of undress with her dress up around her waist. Was it because there were complaints of sexual assault and harassment in 2016? All three are similar in that they claim that Bruce Lehrmann forced himself on them when they were drunk. But after a 12-day trial and five days of deliberation the jury was discharged when it emerged one member had looked at academic research on sexual assault. Lauren Ferri is a general news reporter for NCA NewsWire, covering everything from breaking news and crime to politics, business and Covid-19. He said the prosecution would argue the second reason is a lie. Channel 10s Lisa Wilkinson has filed her defence in the defamation case brought by former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann, accusing him of lying to police about taking an intoxicated Brittany Higgins to Parliament House with the intention of having sexual intercourse. The prosecution and defence teams are yet to make arguments about whether the case should be retried. Video, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story, Ed Sheeran says wife developed tumour in pregnancy, Survivors describe 'nightmarish seconds' as trains crashed, Bieber cancels remaining Justice world tour dates, Daily walk prevents one in 10 early deaths - study, Trump lashes out at Murdoch over vote fraud case, Uranium particles enriched to 83.7% found in Iran, Why the lab-leak theory is being taken seriously, Finland starts construction of Russia border fence. At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece. Mr Lehrmann launched defamation proceedings in the Federal Court in February against two media companies after the criminal trial over the allegation was aborted following misconduct by a jury member. Please call us on 1800 070 535 and well help resolve the issue or try again later. You are only entitled to this subscription if and for as long as you hold a valid and active subscription with your Google Account. In that police interview Lehrmann allegedly said both that he had purposely left the keys to his apartment at the parliament before going out on that night, and that while out drinking he remembered he had to attend the office to do some work. Read about our approach to external linking. It also led to a damning review which found that a third of employees in federal parliament had been sexually harassed. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. Its become a trial that has a momentum of its own, McCallum said. Wilkinsons lawyers filed her written defence to the lawsuit in the Federal Court in Sydney on Wednesday and argue the limitation period should not be extended. Prices after the first 12 months may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. Allow up to 5 days for home delivery to commence (10 days in WA). At no time did Wilkinson believe that Higgins allegations about Lehrmann were false.. The veteran journalist has retained her own legal team including high-profile defamation barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC in the matter. Lehrmanns conduct described in the preceding particulars amounted to rape of Higgins in Parliament House in 2019, the defence says. There are now four women accusing Bruce Lehrmann of rape or sexual assault and Liberal Party trolls on social media have moved into overdrive trying to make sure he is not named for the obvious reason is that it will help expose the cover-up which has been going on for 2 years at the highest levels of government. 2023 BBC. Do you know Bruce Lehrmann? Hi there, welcome to your account and your subscriber benefits. Georgie Moore is a breaking news reporter with The Australian Financial Review . VideoAt the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip, Ukraine war casts shadow over India's G20 ambitions, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. If you experience sexual assault or harassment at the Conference, we will have multiple people who know how to deal with disclosures. But the following Tuesday, when he was questioned about why he had entered parliament by Reynoldss office manager Fiona Brown, a breach of security protocol, he said he had returned to drink some whiskey and had [about] two glasses. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here. Speaking outside court on Thursday, Ms Higgins criticised the justice system and said the trial had taken a toll. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) Read about our approach to external linking. Our Privacy Policy includes important information about our collection, use and disclosure of your personal information (including to provide you with targeted advertising based on your online activities). She will seek to prove the former political staffer sexually assaulted his then colleague Brittany Higgins, court documents show. The ongoing risk to Ms Higgins's mental health means a retrial is not in the public interest, prosecutors say.