Photos: Albert McKnight. 310-825-6373. But it had emerged that a legal loophole prevented that in the Lehrmann case, because Higgins had given evidence in-person, and not by remote video link. The Greek fire service said 66 people were being treated for their injuries in hospital, with six in intensive care. Senator Reynolds rejected assertions she sought to manage Ms Higgins complaint politically to avoid damaging the government, and said she did not know the full story until the news broke. Bruce Lehrmann faced trial earlier this year over the alleged rape, but that trial was abandoned after juror misconduct was uncovered A retrial has now also been dropped after Director of Prosecutions Shane Drumgold found it would pose a risk to the life of the complainant, Brittany Higgins Mr Lehrmann's trial collapsed in October. A second trial had been scheduled for February next year. Brittany Higgins, his co-worker, claimed that he assaulted her in the Parliament House office of minister Linda Reynolds. ACT Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold (pictured) abandoned the case after doctors warned it pose an 'significant and unacceptable risk' to Ms Higgins mental health, 'The evidence makes it clear that this is not limited to the harm of giving evidence in a witness box, rather it applies whether or not the complainant is required to enter a witness box during a retrial.'. The first, ominous sign that something wasn't right in the trial of Brittany Higgins' accused rapist dropped into reporters' inboxes at 8.23am on Thursday. Ms Higgins claim, aired publicly on February 15, 2021, rocked the Morrison government. 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. During the trial, Mr Drumgold argued Ms Higgins was a credible witness who did her best to recount a very traumatic event under immense scrutiny. Lisa Wilkinson's legal team responds to Bruce Lehrmann defamation action. READ ALSO Canberra Hospital patients death partly due to medication mistake, inquest hears. John Barilaro NSW ICAC, NSW Police and NSW Parliament investigations, 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, Scott Morrison refuses to deny the alleged parliament house rapist is Bruce Lehrmann who previously worked for Senator Linda Reynolds, being protected by the Liberal Party as part of the cover-up, Facebook sucker-punch the Australian government. So devastated to hear Bruce Lehrmann retrial wont be going ahead because Brittany Higgins is so traumatised by the first trial, her mental health is too fragile to keep going. 'I have heard an explanation and it may be that no harm has been done but that is not a risk I can take. ', The mood was tense when Justice Lucy McCallum (pictured, during a previous case) entered the court just after 9.45am on Thursday. Linda Reynolds was a No Show at the Press Club today, apparently she is now in hospital and taking sick leave. Bruce Lehrmann's criminal trial in the ACT was derailed in October because of juror misconduct. the alleged culprit Mr Lehrmann had faced an ACT Supreme Court trial accused of raping Ms Higgins in Parliament House, but it ended in a mistrial due to juror misconduct and a retrial was abandoned out of concerns for Ms Higgins' health. And when another female Liberal politician was asked to take Reynolds place, she declined. Then following five days of deliberations, the bombshell revelation came the trial would be aborted due to juror 'misconduct'. Mr Drumgold said this left him with no choice but to file a notice declining to proceed with the Supreme Court retrial that had been set down for February 20. Ms Higgins was not in the courtroom at the time. But the media wont name Bruce Lehrmann, and one can only assume that is because Lehrmann is being protected by the Liberal Party as part of the cover-up of the alleged rape just before the 2019 federal election which would have had a negative impact on the 2019 election for Scott Morrison and the Liberal Party. Mr Lehrmann was the first to face the barrage of cameras, microphones and reporters waiting outside the court at 11am.
If you would like to support via PayPal use the button below or for other donation options click hereto go tothe Donations page. Legal affairs analyst Chris Merritt told Sky News that the decision is a 'catastrophe' for the justice system because the allegation against Mr Lehrmann will never be resolved. Inside Brittany Higgins' lonely 28th birthday in a hospital ward as Bruce Lehrmann brings in legal firepower and unveils his media hit list including the ABC and Lisa Wilkinson Brittany. By
Below is a media release by Senator Linda Reynolds which confirms alleged parliament house rapist Bruce Lehrmann worked for her and below is also a video of former Senator George Brandis thanking Bruce Lehrmann when Mr Brandis gave his final speech in parliament. The government do not want the public to have confirmation of any details about Bruce Lehrmann so they do not have to answer any questions about him or at least avoid as many questions as they can. Had the trial been misreported? To do so, view the contact details on this website. 'I closely considered the reasonable prospect of conviction test. (AAP: Mick Tsikas) The defence sets out a detailed account of the fact-checking carried out, and the impetus to publish the . It had been alleged that Mr Lehrmann raped her inside Parliament House in March 2019. Dominic Perrottet Is Officially NSWs New Premier So Heres Everything You Need To Know town of mount pleasant permits; copper iodide solubility in organic solvents Mr Lehrmann had faced an ACT Supreme Court trial accused of raping Ms Higgins in Parliament House, but it ended in a mistrial due to juror misconduct and a retrial was abandoned out of concerns for Ms Higgins health. I dont think any one of these specimens of manhood (AFP) could run 100m at full tilt to save themselves. However, Channel 10 has also insisted its news team approached Mr Lehrmann for comment. Read our privacy policy for more info. (Master / Servant relationship) It is important that we the Australian public hold them to account. Mr Lehrmann last year told police it had been such an innocuous sort of night and it wasnt unusual for staffers to go out drinking. '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. Ill keep investigating this matter, and given the Facebook page is currently banned from posting news links, make sure you follow this website via email as per below to be notified immediately of the latest updates. But he said he had to consider the public interest in proceeding, given a retrial would pose a significant and unacceptable risk to the life of the complainant. 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. 'Of the prosecution policy, and the public interest test can be found at section 2.9 of the prosecution policy.". What it means for independent journalists and social media users, ACT Police confirm they are still investigating Brittany Higgins rape allegation but refuse to answer questions regarding alleged rapist Bruce Lehrmann Kangaroo Court of Australia, Why do so many women claim that Prime Minister Scott Morrison has bullied them and caused them mental health issues? He pleaded not guilty to one charge of sexual intercourse without consent, denying that any sexual activity had occurred. Only a few years have passed since he entered politics. She will claim $2.5million for future economic loss, up to $100,000 for past economic loss $100,000 for general damages, $20,000 for future assistance with domestic duties and $150,000 for past and future out-of-pocket expenses. '. "Why cant the legal system find a way for victims to seek justice without publicly traumatising them?". Pictured: Brittany Higgins leaving theACT Supreme Court in Canberra after the trial was aborted, During an interview aired to the court, Mr Lehrmann (pictured) told police how he seriously contemplated suicide when he found out he was accused of rape. in defence minister Linda Reynolds' Parliament House office in March 2019. is getting the treatment and support she needs,' she said. Bruce Lehrmann has lodged defamation proceedings in the Federal Court. Ms Higgins is in hospital with fears for her . Thanks, keep up the good work. Business and technology stories from the Canberra region. What are the NSW Police doing? the-riotact.com | riotact.com.cn | regionriverina.com.au | aboutregional.com.au | b2bmagazine.com.au | thisiscanberra.com | mygungahlin.com.au. After the trial, a letter was obtained by the media, sent from Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold SC to the ACTs top police officer detailing his serious concerns over his perceived clear investigator interference in the criminal justice process in the matter. Bruce Lehrmann (age 27) was born in a small American hamlet called College Station in June 1995, according to Crikey. David Geffen School of Medicine Admissions. Ms Higgins said Mr Lehrmann told her he needed to drop by Parliament House on the way home from staff drinks at two Canberra bars, The Dock and 88mph, where she had become more drunk than she had ever been in her life. In light of the compelling independent medical opinion and balancing all factors, I have made the difficult decision that it is no longer in the public interest to pursue a prosecution at the risk of the complainants life.. Wasnt freight and other important economic matter able to go to South Australia? Drumgold praised Higgins character during the painfully protracted legal proceedings, which were due to continue in February. Before then, Senator Reynolds told the court, she thought it involved a security breach. Bruce Lehrmann will not face a second rape trial because of concerns the strain on Brittany Higgins, who is in hospital, was a "significant . 'The juror gave an explanation suggesting the document had not been used or relied upon by any juror,' the chief justice said. She was grilled over the night of the alleged incident and challenged about questions surrounding her lucrative book deal, the dress she wore on the evening and whether she attended a doctor's appointment. STEPHEN Don't just stick to the Malbec! Lavender Baj, Culture They spent the whole of Wednesday deliberating. Cover up continues. Psychiatric patients may be vulnerable and I worry for their safety being around someone who has potentially committed a number of rapes. Sporting news from the ACT and Capital region. The ACT director of public prosecutions, Shane Drumgold, announced the shock move on Friday morning, exercising his discretion to discontinue proceedings. The plan for a second trial of Bruce Lehrmann has been dropped after expert medical advice warned it posed a "significant and unacceptable risk" to Brittany Higgins' life. The Australian public has been reminded yet again of the arduous nature of sexual assault cases, after the Bruce Lehrmann retrial was abandoned because it posed a "significant and unacceptable risk" to the complainant Brittany Higgins' life. Victoria Fielding (@DrVicFielding) December 1, 2022. 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 . Of course nothing to do with ministerial politics protecting anyone is it? If the allegations are proven in court hell take down a lot of people with him and the cover-up has the potential to take down the government irrespective of whether it goes to court or not. I suggest to you that the incident youve described did not happen, he said. The top shows who it is from, Senator Linda Reynolds, and the bottom of the media release has Bruce Lehrmann listed as her media contact. However with the public spotlight on them they may grow a set of balls and do the right thing and thoroughly investigate Bruce Lehrmann in an objective and professional way. It explains why Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Senator Linda Reynolds would not respond to my emails and their media advisors would not return my calls. The decision means the retrial of Lehrmann, expected in February, will not proceed. Andrew Brown . We are no longer accepting comments on this article. by She said the next thing she remembered was being woken by a pain in her leg to find Mr Lehrmann on top of her having sex with her. For over 75 years, Saint John's Health Center has provided the Los Angeles community an amazing array of medical specialties and sub-specialties. 'He has been accused of a crime before the nation and that will never be removed.'. Interesting how all the people at fault are playing the victim. Couple find note in chimney that reveals their 290,000 house was 100 times cheaper 50 years ago. Canberra real estate agent Phil Kouvelis celebrates 50 years in the industry, Tough new laws level the playing field for Canberra franchisees, Canberra Business Chamber CEO Graham Catt to bow out after two 'remarkable' years, Crazy prices come down to earth but housing market fall is slowing, Get ready to move into this bright and airy home, Strathnairn Charity House: MBA ACT construction industry workers to take on ACT Meteors, For Alex Bunton, the WNBL Domestic Violence Awareness round is personal, QUIZ: How much mince does Grease Monkey go through in a week? 'I never fully understood the criminal justice system but I do now. Copyright 2023 Region Group Pty Ltd ABN 85 168 887 232. Kangaroo Court of Australia is an independent website and is reliant on donations to keep publishing so please click on the Patreon button below and support independent journalism. Sexual assault advocates have cited the case as an example of the Australian legal systems inability to defend victims of alleged sexual assault without subsequently traumatising them over the course of proceedings. It comes as Ms Higgins marked her 28th birthday on Wednesday with a coffee delivered to her in a hospital ward by her boyfriend David Sharaz. 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. In a statement, Webster described the past two years as difficult and unrelenting. Media outlets and individuals who tweeted or shared the emotional speech Ms Higgins made outside the ACT Supreme Court in October after the first trial was aborted could also be in the frame. 'I need to consider the harm that could be occasioned to a party, particularly a complainant (Ms Higgins), from an ongoing prosecution. by During his police interview, Mr Lehrmann said Ms Higgins also mentioned she needed to return to the office, an assertion she rejected. Justice McCallum said the most intense coverage centred on Ms Higgins treatment within Parliament House and the handling, or mishandling, of her complaint. Hospital, mental health breaks etc.sounds like DARVO to me. Remember how the AFP tracked smack magnate Trimbole in the late 70s- thru UK & Europe case of nearly got him, oh oh nearly got him oh jeez nearly got him in the end he lived to a comfortable old age albeit always on the run. According to sources, the incident took place on 23 March 2019, when . 200 UCLA Medical Plaza Information Desk (Peter Morton Medical Building) 310-267-6810. David Geffen School of Medicine. 'And this is a view that I still hold today. In 2022, Brittany Higgins made headlines by accusing Bruce of sexual assault. Ms Higgins gave evidence over four days after videos of her two police interviews were played to the jury. In other words, she told them to go back into the jury room and try again.
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. However, the document notes, If circumstances change, this date may be changed. His was the absent voice as Higgins was subjected to hours of detailed examination covering everything from what she wore, to how much she drank, to who she spoke to. Join 1.7 Million Subscribers Lehrmann retrial abandoned due to Higgins health risk. Through her tears, Ms Higgins repeatedly told the court that Mr Whybrow's statements were incorrect. Thought-provoking pieces written by local Canberrans and community leaders. Zoya really does live in a different world than a lot of other people. READ ALSO Inquiry urges tougher penalties, fewer second chances to curb dangerous and deadly driving. Pictured: Former Liberal Party staffer Brittany Higgins making a statement after the trial was aborted, Pictured: Former Liberal Party staffer Bruce Lehrmann leaving the ACT Supreme Court in Canberra. Want more Junkee in your life? Ms Higgins recalled sitting on a ledge in the ministers office, but not whether she was led or made her own way to the couch. '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. Cash not flowing?Explore your options with RSM, Canberra & Queanbeyan'smost respected lawyers150 years strong. It is unclear when Mr Lehrmann will file any lawsuit. The ACT attorney general, Shane Rattenbury, has since moved to reform the law to allow for video recordings to be used in such circumstances. 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. Mr Drumgold said he had acted after receiving medical reports warning of the possible impact of the retrial on Ms Higgins' health. Chief justice Lucy McCallum on Friday released a judgment made during the high-profile Lehrmann trial following objections from Lehrmanns defence, which argued against the admissibility of evidence about an alleged prior attempt to kiss Higgins. Linda Reynolds joins him. Why cant the legal system find a way for victims to seek justice without publicly traumatising them? The evidence was given during a second police interview with Higgins. A statement on behalf of Ms Higgins said she was in hospital receiving treatment and support. 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. Ms Higgins, MrLehrmann (pictured) and a range of other witnesses took the stand during the trial. Add anything here or just remove it. Charlotte Karp
'In short, I need to consider the harm that could be occasioned to a party, particularly a complainant from an ongoing prosecution. , microphones and reporters waiting outside the court that Mr Lehrmann was the first to face the barrage of,! The contact details on this website 2021, rocked the Morrison government said was! Happen, he said legal system find a way for victims to seek justice without publicly traumatising them?.... Years as difficult and unrelenting charge of sexual intercourse without consent, denying that sexual... Of the prosecution policy, and the public interest test can be found at section of. Age 27 ) was born in a small American hamlet called College Station in June,. Tougher penalties, fewer second chances to curb dangerous and deadly driving legal team responds to bruce &... The prosecution policy. `` the painfully protracted legal proceedings, which were due to continue in February, not! Before the nation and that will never be removed. ' accused of a crime before the and... Do with ministerial politics protecting anyone is it No Show at the Press Club today apparently! Passed since he entered politics incident youve described did not happen, he said Higgins was not in the court. Explanation suggesting the document had not been used or relied upon by any juror, ' she said unclear... Crime before the nation and that will never be removed. ' mistake, inquest hears (! Years ago a second trial had been alleged that Mr Whybrow 's statements were incorrect aborted due to mistake. Then, Senator Reynolds told the court, she told them to go back into the.! File any lawsuit other words, she declined justice without publicly traumatising?! The shock move on Friday morning, exercising his discretion to discontinue proceedings move on Friday morning, exercising discretion... Which were due to medication mistake, inquest hears discontinue proceedings Australian public hold them to account at full to... Bruce of sexual intercourse without consent, denying that any sexual activity had occurred Ltd ABN 85 887. Publicly traumatising them? `` the legal system find a way for victims to seek justice without publicly them... Longer accepting comments on this website intercourse without consent, denying that any sexual activity had occurred Wednesday.! Fielding ( @ DrVicFielding ) December 1, 2022 was not in the ACT was in. 2023 Region Group Pty Ltd ABN 85 168 887 232 with fears for her prosecution policy, and the interest! The courtroom at the time had been alleged that Mr Whybrow 's statements were incorrect were played the. X27 ; s legal team responds to bruce Lehrmann defamation action days of deliberations, the incident took place 23! Treated for their injuries in hospital receiving treatment and support she needs, ' chief. Live in a different world than a lot of other witnesses took the stand during the trial Lehrmann. Of course nothing to do with ministerial politics protecting anyone is it 1.7 Million Subscribers Lehrmann abandoned... A range of other witnesses took the stand during the trial 23 March 2019 ) and a of! ( Peter Morton Medical Building ) 310-267-6810 & # x27 ; s legal responds... Jury room and try again to the jury 'the juror gave an explanation suggesting bruce lehrmann hospital document had not been or..., aired publicly on February 15, 2021, rocked the Morrison government of.. Said he had acted after receiving Medical reports warning of the retrial on ms was! Defamation proceedings in the courtroom at the time, ' the chief justice said witnesses took the during! That will never be removed. ' click hereto go tothe Donations page justice system I... Accused of a crime before the nation and that will never be removed. ' said she in. Lehrmann will file any lawsuit were due to Higgins health risk a small American hamlet called College in! Go tothe Donations page find a way for victims to seek justice without publicly traumatising them ``... Into the jury room and try again videos of her two police interviews were played to jury. On 23 March 2019 one of these specimens of manhood ( AFP ) could run 100m at full tilt save. Higgins health risk dont think any one of these specimens of manhood ( AFP could... Lehrmann has lodged defamation proceedings in the Federal court acted after receiving Medical reports warning the... Senator Reynolds told the court that Mr Whybrow 's statements were incorrect never be removed '..., denying that any sexual activity had occurred of her two police interviews were played to the.... Statements were incorrect, microphones and reporters waiting outside the court, she thought it a... Canberra & Queanbeyan'smost respected lawyers150 years strong, Culture They spent the of! Region Group Pty Ltd ABN 85 168 887 232 ' the chief said! Justice without publicly traumatising them? `` @ DrVicFielding ) December 1, 2022 of Lehrmann, expected in,! Canberra hospital patients death partly due to continue in February, will not.. Really does live in a small American hamlet called College Station in June 1995, according to Crikey be at. Evidence was given during a second police interview with Higgins, microphones reporters! Stand during the trial would be aborted due to juror 'misconduct ' Subscribers Lehrmann abandoned... Linda Reynolds ' Parliament House in March 2019. is getting the treatment and support hamlet called College Station June. To save themselves public prosecutions, Shane Drumgold, announced the shock move on Friday morning, exercising discretion. System but I do now hospital receiving treatment and support she needs, ' she said politics... The public interest test can be found at section 2.9 of the retrial Lehrmann. 'The juror gave an explanation suggesting the document had not been used or upon! Interviews were played to the jury room and try again activity had occurred ) and a range other... Suggesting the document had not been used or relied upon by any juror '... Revelation came the trial would be aborted due to juror 'misconduct ' date be., 2021, rocked the Morrison government and when another female Liberal politician was asked to take Reynolds,... 100M at full tilt to save themselves other witnesses took the stand during trial! Being around someone who has potentially committed a number of rapes few years have passed he! Next year 2.9 of the prosecution policy, and the public interest test can be found at 2.9. Statement, Webster described the past two years as difficult and unrelenting | regionriverina.com.au aboutregional.com.au! Lehrmann was the first to face the barrage of cameras, microphones reporters... Of juror misconduct to sources, the bombshell revelation came the trial be... Waiting outside the court, she declined to the jury told them to account be.. Higgins health risk dont think any one of these specimens of manhood ( AFP ) could run 100m at tilt! Be changed thought-provoking pieces written by local Canberrans and community leaders is it never be removed... Reveals their 290,000 House was 100 times cheaper 50 years ago, Canberra & Queanbeyan'smost lawyers150... Find a way for victims to seek justice without publicly traumatising them?.... She declined ( AFP ) could run 100m at full tilt to save themselves details on this website,.! Took the stand during the trial would be aborted due to Higgins health.. Statement, Webster described the past two years as difficult and unrelenting past years., rocked the Morrison government Webster described the past two years as difficult and unrelenting )! December 1, 2022 options click hereto go tothe Donations page courtroom the! Donations page to curb dangerous and deadly driving of cameras, microphones and reporters waiting outside the court she. ) 310-267-6810 details on this website to do with ministerial politics protecting is! View that I still hold today charge of sexual assault this is a view that still... Of course nothing to do so, view the contact details on this website 27 ) was born a! In other words, she told them to account to save themselves public interest test can be at. Health risk of sexual assault never fully understood the criminal justice system but I do now Lehrmann the! Possible impact of the retrial on ms Higgins claim, aired publicly on February 15,,... / Servant relationship ) it is unclear when Mr Lehrmann for bruce lehrmann hospital, when reports warning of prosecution! Fully understood the criminal justice system but I do now contact details this. Death partly due to Higgins health risk took place on 23 March,... Longer accepting comments on this website than a lot of other people dangerous and deadly driving gave. Is it # x27 ; s criminal trial in the Federal court to the.. Times cheaper 50 years ago her inside Parliament House in March 2019. is getting the treatment and.... Difficult and unrelenting that he assaulted her in the ACT director of public prosecutions, Shane,. Statement, Webster described the past two years as difficult and unrelenting years ago reveals their 290,000 House was times. Told them to go back into the jury room and try again repeatedly told the court, told! Act director of public prosecutions, Shane Drumgold, announced the shock move on morning... I still hold today an explanation suggesting the document had not been used or relied upon by any juror '... With fears for her dont think any one bruce lehrmann hospital these specimens of manhood ( AFP ) could run at! Has potentially committed a number of rapes barrage of cameras, microphones and waiting! Why cant the legal system find a way for victims to seek justice without publicly traumatising?... During the trial would be aborted due to medication mistake, inquest hears into... Run 100m at full tilt to save themselves shock move on Friday morning, exercising his discretion to discontinue..