Key Factors
- The ACT govenrment is contemplating launching an inquiry into the dealing with of Bruce Lehrmann’s rape trial.
- Makes an attempt to prosecute Mr Lehrmann have been deserted earlier this month over issues for Brittany Higgins’ welfare.
- Mr Lehrmann denies raping Ms Higgins in Parliament Home in 2019.
This story incorporates allegations of sexual assault and could also be distressing to some readers.
The dealing with of the collapsed trial of Bruce Lehrmann could possibly be picked aside in two high-level investigations as police and prosecutors blame one another over the administration of Brittany Higgins’ sexual assault allegations.
The ACT’s attorney-general Shane Rattenbury admits he is involved about conduct by the trial and will but launch an inquiry, simply days after the Commonwealth’s legislation enforcement integrity physique introduced it might .
Mr Lehrmann has persistently denied allegations that he raped Ms Higgins in Parliament Home in 2019.
The ACT Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold has raised issues about “political and police conduct” within the case and even wrote to the territory’s police chief accusing his members of pressuring him to not prosecute Mr Lehrmann.
In a press release launched on Monday, Mr Rattenbury stated his authorities was involved by the allegations made concerning the investigation and conduct all through the trial.
“I notice that the matter has been referred to the Australian Fee for Regulation Enforcement Integrity,” he stated.
“The ACT authorities is at the moment contemplating whether or not additional investigations are warranted.”
It’s not but clear what kind any investigation launched by the ACT authorities would take.
Mr Drumgold, who referred to as for a public inquiry on the finish of the trial, has additionally accused former coalition minister Linda Reynolds of behaving “disturbingly” all through the trial.
The Guardian reported Mr Drumgold despatched a letter to the ACT’s police chief, Neil Gaughan, on 1 November after Senator Reynolds allegedly coached the defence crew and tried to get transcripts of proof from earlier witnesses.
“Throughout the conduct of the trial, plenty of disturbing occasions have occurred, together with prosecution witness (redacted) firstly giving proof straight contradictory to her chief of workers, then straight soliciting transcripts of different proof to tailor her proof direct from the defence barrister Steven Whybrow,” Mr Drumgold wrote.
“She additional engaged in direct teaching of the defence cross-examination of the complainant by directing them to proof she shouldn’t have entry to.”
Senator Reynolds has been contacted for remark.
Mr Lehrmann had confronted legal expenses over the alleged rape and was as a result of face courtroom for a retrial in February.
He denied the allegations and maintained the pair by no means had any sexual interplay. His first trial was derailed on October 27 due to juror misconduct. as a result of issues for Ms Higgins’ psychological well being.
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When you or somebody you recognize desires to speak about sexual assault or harassment, household or home violence, name 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or go to . In an emergency, name 000.