Accused Rapist Loses Defamation Case, Judge Rules He Committed the Crime
BRISBANE — In a stunning conclusion to a legal battle that has gripped Australia since 2021, an accused rapist lost his defamation case against one of the country’s largest television networks. The judge ruled that, on the balance of probabilities, he committed the crime.
The Case That Captivated Australia
The case began in 2021 when former political staffer Brittany Higgins accused her colleague Bruce Lehrmann of raping her inside Parliament House after a night of drinking in 2019. The verdict was announced by Justice Michael Lee during a live broadcast from the Federal Court in Sydney.
Network Ten’s “The Project” Program
Higgins shared her story in an exclusive interview with Network Ten’s “The Project” program, sparking questions about the response by ministers and political staffers. Lehrmann was later charged with sexual intercourse without consent, but the trial was abandoned in 2022 due to juror misconduct.
A Bid to Clear His Name
Unable to clear his name through a trial, Lehrmann took legal action for defamation against Network Ten and presenter Lisa Wilkinson. The defense argued that the rape had occurred, leading to the judge’s ruling.
Devastating Blow for Lehrmann
The ruling dealt a major blow to Lehrmann’s attempt to clear his name. Despite his denials of wrongdoing, the judge found evidence against him compelling.
Evidence Examined
Justice Lee examined various forms of evidence, including texts, social media messages, and CCTV footage. He concluded that the footage provided a clearer picture of the events of that night than the testimonies of Lehrmann and Higgins.
Key Findings
Lee found that Higgins was heavily intoxicated that night and could not have given consent. He also rejected Lehrmann’s claims of innocence based on the evidence presented.
Reaction to the Verdict
Following the ruling, Lehrmann left the court without commenting to reporters. Network Ten hailed the judgment as a victory for truth and justice, while Wilkinson expressed hope that it would empower women nationwide.
