Bruce Lehrmann Found Guilty of Raping Brittany Higgins; Network 10 Defamation Case Dismissed

In a significant legal development following the shocking allegations of sexual assault within Australia’s Parliament House, Bruce Lehrmann has been found guilty of assaulting Brittany Higgins.

At the same time, the defamation case he brought against Network 10 has been dismissed by the court.

Brittany Higgins, a former political staffer, made headlines with her allegations of assault, sparking a nationwide outcry and a profound examination of the culture within Australia’s political sphere.

Network 10 aired a TV interview with Higgins in 2021, where she detailed her harrowing experience of waking up to find a colleague on top of her in a minister’s office back in 2019.

Bruce Lehrmann, who has consistently denied Higgins’ claims, filed a defamation suit against Network 10 over the interview. ‘

However, the court ruled in favor of the outlet, affirming the accuracy of Higgins’ account and dismissing Lehrmann’s case.

Federal Court Justice Michael Lee delivered the ruling on Monday, April 15, 2024, stating that Lehrmann had raped Higgins and had told deliberate lies.

Justice Lee highlighted Lehrmann’s reckless indifference to Higgins’ consent, emphasizing his disregard for her well-being.

While acknowledging the complexity of the case and offering some criticism towards Network 10 and the individuals involved, Justice Lee ultimately found Higgins’ core rape allegation to be credible and truthful.

This legal decision marks a significant milestone in a case that has deeply impacted Australian society and sparked widespread conversations about sexual assault, workplace culture, and accountability within the political establishment.

In defamation trials, judges often allow reams of seemingly tangential evidence to help them make judgements on the credibility or character of witnesses.

Over five weeks, this trial heard from more than a dozen witnesses who gave at times bizarre evidence.

The court heard analysis from a lip reader flown in from the UK, emotional testimony from Ms Higgins parents, and from the pair’s colleagues in parliament.

The case was even reopened at the last minutes to hear claims that another major television network – Seven – had paid for sex and drugs for Mr Lehrmann while chasing an exclusive interview.

Seven denies the claims, but on Monday, April 15, 2024,  confirmed the Executive Producer of the Spotlight programme had left the network, after the actions of his team came under scrutiny.

Speaking outside court, Ms Wilkinson said: “I feel glad for the women of Australia today”.

Network Ten also released a statement saying Justice Lee’s judgment was “vindication for the courageous Brittany Higgins who gave a voice to women across the nation”.

“This judgment is a triumph for truth.”

Mr Lehrmann – who did not speak as he left court – will now be liable for millions of dollars in legal costs, accumulated by both parties. The exact sum will be calculated at a later date.