'This has left me no option but to file a notice declining to proceed with the retrial of this matter which I've done this morning. Sources with knowledge of the situation said Mr Lehrmann will claim he wasn't given opportunity to respond to the allegations levelled in the program. Lisa Wilkinson has responded to Bruce Lehrmann's lawsuit. Mr Lehrmanns barrister, Steven Whybrow, declined to comment on the case being dropped. The lady said that Bruce raped her after a party inside the parliament. Every female who has been held or touched inappropriately in the Parliament building should should stand on the front lawn and scream for justice until justice is served. Several other mastheads are also expected to be slapped with lawsuits. 'While it's disappointing the trial has ended this way, Brittany Higgins' health and safety must always come first. We dont spam! She has done so with bravery, grace and dignity, and it is my hope that this will now stop and Ms Higgins will be allowed to heal.. In which Fanny rejects both Henry and Edmund, and View, There is a book that covers this topic already, George Orwells 1984. 'I've made the difficult decision that it is no longer in the public interest to pursue a prosecution at the risk of the complainant's life,' Mr Drumgold said. During an interview aired to the court, Lehrmann told police how he seriously contemplated suicide when he found out he was accused of rape. 'I need to consider the harm that could be occasioned to a party, particularly a complainant (Ms Higgins), from an ongoing prosecution. Had the Crown's case against Bruce Lehrmann - who Ms Higgins alleged raped her in Parliament House on March 23, 2019 - somehow been jeopardised? And it is my hope that this will now stop and Miss Higgins will be allowed to heal.'. Her credibility and truthfulness were continually questioned during Mr Whybrow's closing arguments in court last week. The courtroom action of the past 12 days - as Ms Higgins, Lehrmann and other witnesses took the stand - had been, at times, confronting and eye-opening. The former Liberal staffer has not been able to get a job since the allegations went public, despite applying for several opportunities. Ms Higgins gave evidence that she had wanted to shed light on a culture that was rife in Parliament House while seeking her day in court. Sporting news from the ACT and Capital region. All The Funniest Reactions To Facebook And Instagram Shutting Down For Six Hours (Click here to see the full press release). The people, places, pets and passions that give our city life. A retrial of political staffer Bruce Lehrmann over the alleged rape of former colleague Brittany Higgins has officially been dropped by ACT prosecutors today.. ACT prosecutor Shane Drumgold told reporters in Canberra this morning that the planned retrial of Bruce Lehrmann would be scrapped due to new medical evidence, citing the "significant and unacceptable" trauma the case would pose to . It was abandoned after a juror brought in outside research papers on sexual assault. The woman alleged that Bruce sexually assaulted her after a party inside the legislature. He only entered politics a short time ago. In a statement issued immediately after Mr Drumgold's announcement, close friend Emma Webster revealed Ms Higgins has been admitted to a Queensland hospital. Theprospect of either a verdict or a hung jury was looming and many believed this week would be the last in the trial. Michelle Rennex, Culture Senator Linda Reynolds leaving the ACT Supreme Court after giving evidence. I read that the AFP hasnt prosecuted one politician since its inception in 1979 so they are essentially useless when it comes to corruption. Try to get them to do anythingpointless, i look forward to the next generation reading of this time and how this P.M handled it ..nothing scares him more than his reputation being sullied for history to read.someone needs to bring that to his attention. 23:08 GMT 06 Dec 2022 On this particular matter, we need to keep them up to their mandate as prescribed under the Australian Federal Police Act 1979 and Australian Federal Police Regulations 2018. Expert strata, facilitiesand building management services. Higgins close friend Emma Webster said Higgins was in hospital and receiving treatment and support. Categories: Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Tagged as: Brittany Higgins, Bruce Lehrmann, Scott Morrison. According to a document on the inquirys website, the initial public hearing will be on 17 April when inquiry chairperson Walter Sofronoff KC will make introductory remarks on what will be covered. Ms Higgins is in hospital with fears for her . She continually instructed them to abstain from social media, stop reading the news, and shut down any conversations about the trial with anyone who was not on the jury. Kangaroo Court of Australia, Rupert Murdoch, Fox News and News Corp set to be sued for over $30 billion and die a death of a thousand lawsuits after Ruperts admissions under oath, Bruce Lehrmanns defamation lawyers could be jailed for their criminal conduct in the Ben Roberts-Smith case, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet set to kill off the Liberal Party in NSW at the state election, How Queenslands Human Rights Act protects fugitive Australian journalist Shane Dowling from being extradited to NSW. At about 10.25am, Justice McCallum left the court and the trial that captured the nation's attention was over. The reason I decided to copy and publish the video above is that in the last article I put a link to the Hansard transcript for the same speech, but the link only works every 10 or so attempts for some strange reason and with limited evidence that Bruce Lehrmann even exists let alone worked in parliament at least the video is better confirmation than the transcript which can be deleted. The ACT Director . 'The evidence makes it clear that this is not limited to the harm of giving evidence in a witness box, rather applies whether or not the complainant is required to enter a witness box during a retrial. He maintains no sex took place. Michelle Rennex, Film Ms Higgins gave evidence over four days after videos of her two police interviews were played to the jury. A judge described evidence alleging Bruce Lehrmann previously "made a pass" at Brittany Higgins as "plainly relevant" to allegations that he raped her in Parliament House weeks later, a . Two days after the election was called on April 11, 2019, the staffer told police she did not want to pursue a complaint, then revived it again early last year while also in talks with journalists. His expression was unchanged, and he did not speak. Mr Lehrmann said he turned left and she turned right when they entered Senator Reynolds suite and the two did not see each other again. 'In light of the compelling independent medical opinion and balancing all factors, I've made the difficult decision that it is no longer in the public interest to pursue a prosecution at the risk of the complainant's life. While the pursuit of justice is essential for my office and for the community in general, the safety of a complainant in a sexual assault matter must be paramount.. She later admitted to the jurythat she was 'clearly wrong' when saying she kept the dress she was allegedly raped in stashed under her bed for six months - 'untouched and uncleaned'. He would not speculate as to whether Ms Higgins could face charges for contempt of court. Something was up. Linda Reynolds joins him. Bruce rarely discusses his family and doesn't have any social media accounts, so we don't know anything about his parents, mother, or siblings. Mr Lehrmann was told not to contact Ms Higgins, her boyfriend David Sharaz (pictured together), or her parents, Prosecutor Skye Jerome (pictured, left) reminded the court that Mr Lehrmann was still charged with sexual assault when she requested a series of bail restrictions. Decision announced by director of public prosecutions means retrial of Lehrmann, who pleaded not guilty, will not go ahead. This is important because Bruce Lehrmann, who is now facing allegations by 4 women, has disappeared off the face of the earth and politicians and staff in parliament house will not even admit they know him or where he worked. 'I have heard an explanation and it may be that no harm has been done but that is not a risk I can take. I suggest to you that the incident youve described did not happen, he said. A close friend of Higgins, Emma Webster,released a statement on her behalf this morning, sharing that she is currently receiving treatment in a Queensland mental health facility. and Of course nothing to do with ministerial politics protecting anyone is it? The case was colloquially dubbed 'The Higgins Trial', but Ms Higgins was never on trial. Ms Higgins's lawyers have sent documents to all parties setting out an intention to sue for sexual harassment, sex discrimination, disability discrimination, negligence, and victimisation. Zoya really does live in a different world than a lot of other people. This article is a follow-up from the 2 previous articles on the 16th of February titled Scott Morrison covers up the rape of Liberal Party staffers as easy as his friend Hillsongs Brian Houston covers up the rape of children by his father and on the 19th of February titled Scott Morrison refuses to deny the alleged parliament house rapist is Bruce Lehrmann who previously worked for Senator Linda Reynolds., There are virtually no references to Bruce Lehrmann on the internet and he has deleted his social media accounts. Through her tears, Ms Higgins repeatedly told the court that Mr Whybrow's statements were incorrect. With the trial aborted, all that evidence - all those tears and turmoil - will have to be heard again at another trial. Lehrmann has consistently maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to one charge of sexual intercourse without consent, saying no sexual activity occurred with Higgins, a fellow political staffer. Youd have to wonder why a dual-citizen like this guy would seem to have such open access to our Department of Defence. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group, Former Liberal stafferBruce Lehrmann has had his rape charge dropped, He was accused of raping Brittany Higgins at Parliament House in March 2019, Ms Higgins is in hospital with fears for her life, 'getting the treatment she needs', ACT DPP said a retrial would pose a'significant and unacceptable risk' to health, First trial was aborted after a member of the jury brought in prohibited material. It has been only a few years since he joined politics. Former attorney-general Michaelia Cash also gave evidence, during which she said it would be politically disastrous to try to cover up an assault of this nature in Parliament House and that it had absolutely not been considered an embarrassment for the then-government. Ms Higgins responded, loudly: 'What you're saying is deeply insulting. I unfortunately can not see the AFP being effective in this case, as it is far too political. , updated 'Miss Higgins has faced a level of personal attack that I've not seen in over 20 years of doing this work,' he said. Funny about police incompetence, its just everywhere. At no point during the trial had the court resumed earlier than 10am. the-riotact.com | riotact.com.cn | regionriverina.com.au | aboutregional.com.au | b2bmagazine.com.au | thisiscanberra.com | mygungahlin.com.au. I left the start of the speech in the video as its worth noting all the people there which included Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia Susan Kiefel and as we all know the High Court has had its own issues with a sexual predator for years in former High Court judge Dyson Heydon which was exposed in 2020. 'She has done so with bravery, grace and dignity. She thanked them sincerely for their hard work, and urged them not to consider their time as jurors as a 'waste of time'. However, the document notes, If circumstances change, this date may be changed. Ms Higgins was not in the courtroom at the time. When the jury was discharged, some members of the public gallery had private moments of distress, before collecting themselves and re-focusing on Justice McCallum's remarks. It is understood Noor Blumer, a founding partner of Blumers Lawyers has been quietly negotiating the claim since February. A retrial had been planned for February. Kids in England had to wear masks at school because No10 'didn't want an argument' with Nicola Sturgeon - Health ministers knew there was no evidence to justify making kids abide by rule of 6 - but No10 'didn't Charles evicting Harry and Meghan is the act of a King putting his country first: REBECCA ENGLISH reveals A royal princess at Eton? It was later announced that the conduct of police officers, the DPP and the Victims of Crime Commissioner will be examined in the inquiry. Victoria Fielding (@DrVicFielding) December 1, 2022. I was required to tell the truth under oath for over a week in the witness stand, I was cross-examined at length,' she said. Whilst the pursuit of justice is essential for both my office and for the community in general, the safety of a complainant in a sexual assault matter must be paramount. During the trial, the defence objected to the jury hearing evidence, given by Higgins to police, that alleged Lehrmann had made a pass at me and tried to kiss me. During the trial, a separate suggestion was made that Higgins and Lehrmann may have kissed on the night of the alleged rape, during the night of drinking that preceded their visit to Parliament House. Confirming the end of the road for the prosecution case on Friday, ACT Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold, SC, took aim at what he said was an unprecedented personal attack on Ms Higgins. Daily Mail Australia first reported that Mr Lehrmann's hit list includes Ms Wilkinson, the production company behind The Project (Rove McManus's Roving Enterprises), Network Ten and parent company Paramount. Cash not flowing?Explore your options with RSM, Canberra & Queanbeyan'smost respected lawyers150 years strong. Justice McCallum said the most intense coverage centred on Ms Higgins treatment within Parliament House and the handling, or mishandling, of her complaint. Psychiatric patients may be vulnerable and I worry for their safety being around someone who has potentially committed a number of rapes. Brittany Higgins is in hospital as fears for the former political staffer's mental health caused prosecutors to sensationally drop the criminal charge against the Liberal Party staffer accused of raping her. This prompted Mr Lehrmanns lawyers to refer her comments to police for possible contempt. Alex Ellinghausen/Rhett Wyman. Where to eat, what to drink in the Canberra region. This is my opinion. A. While its difficult the trial has ended this way, Brittanys health and safety must always come first, it said. Bruce Lehrmann and Brittany Higgins. Enter your email address below and click on the follow button. Chief justice Lucy McCallum has released a judgment made during the trial following objections from Lehrmanns defence. Bruce Lehrmann has hired a top defamation lawyer as his hit list of media outlets comes into focus, including the ABC for broadcasting Brittany Higgins' National Press Club address and Lisa Wilkinson over her interview with the ex Liberal staffer. Inside the sensational collapse of Australia's most explosive rape trial: CHARLOTTE KARP's dramatic behind the scenes account from Court 3 - with the first sign of trouble via an 8.23am email, By Charlotte Karp in Canberra for Daily Mail Australia. Submissions need to be made before 11 April. He made a veiled statement about 'con-artists', before he suggested Ms Higgins had told her 'fabricated' story so many times she believed it to be true. READ ALSO Inquiry urges tougher penalties, fewer second chances to curb dangerous and deadly driving. Had the trial been misreported? 'His name has been tainted,' he said. The ACT attorney general, Shane Rattenbury, has since moved to reform the law to allow for video recordings to be used in such circumstances. 'She has done so with bravery, grace and dignity. Ms Higgins faced the same media circus 10 minutes later. Mr Lehrmann has denied the charge of sexual intercourse without consent and denied having sex with Ms Higgins on the couch of then-defence industry minister Linda Reynolds parliamentary suite in March 2019. The ABC is also expected to be in the firing line over comments made during the National Press Club appearance in February 2021 during an address by Ms Higgins and Grace Tame. town of mount pleasant permits; copper iodide solubility in organic solvents Former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann will not face a second rape trial, after prosecutors dropped the case because of concerns the strain on complainant Brittany Higgins mental health presented a significant and unacceptable risk to her life. Dominic Perrottet Is Officially NSWs New Premier So Heres Everything You Need To Know Prosecutors fear that subjecting Brittany Higgins (pictured) to further trauma associated with another trial would be an 'unacceptable risk' to her health, Brittany Higgins claims her ex-colleague Mr Lehrmann (pictured) raped her at Parliament House after a night out in Canberra on March 23, 2019 - he has denied the allegations. 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