Bruce Lehrmann: Difference between revisions
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'''Bruce Emery Lehrmann''' (born June 1995) is a former political staffer who was found to have raped a colleague at [[Parliament House, Canberra]], in a [[Lawsuit|civil court trial]] at the [[Federal Court of Australia]] based on the balance of probabilities. |
'''Bruce Emery Lehrmann''' (born June 1995) is a former political staffer who was found to have raped a colleague at [[Parliament House, Canberra]], in a [[Lawsuit|civil court trial]] at the [[Federal Court of Australia]] based on the balance of probabilities.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Toomey |first1=J |title=Federal Court judge finds Bruce Lehrmann raped Brittany Higgins, defamation case fails |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-15/bruce-lehrmann-defamation-trial-judgment/103706656 |access-date=15 April 2024 |work=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}}</ref> |
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In describing the subsequent legal proceedings and media reporting, Federal Court Justice [[Michael Lee (judge)|Michael Lee]] said in his judgement: "the underlying controversy has become a cause célèbre. Indeed, given its unexpected detours and the collateral damage it has occasioned, it might be more fitting to describe it as an [[omnishambles]]."<ref name=":0" /> |
In describing the subsequent legal proceedings and media reporting, Federal Court Justice [[Michael Lee (judge)|Michael Lee]] said in his judgement: "the underlying controversy has become a cause célèbre. Indeed, given its unexpected detours and the collateral damage it has occasioned, it might be more fitting to describe it as an [[omnishambles]]."<ref name=":0" /> |
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Revision as of 02:10, 17 April 2024
Bruce Lehrmann | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 1995 (age 28–29) |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Alma mater | Australian National University |
| Occupation(s) | Lobbyist, political staffer |
| Known for | Rape at Parliament House |
Bruce Emery Lehrmann (born June 1995) is a former political staffer who was found to have raped a colleague at Parliament House, Canberra, in a civil court trial at the Federal Court of Australia based on the balance of probabilities.[1]
In describing the subsequent legal proceedings and media reporting, Federal Court Justice Michael Lee said in his judgement: "the underlying controversy has become a cause célèbre. Indeed, given its unexpected detours and the collateral damage it has occasioned, it might be more fitting to describe it as an omnishambles."[2]
Early life
Born in College Station, Texas, in June 1995,[3] Lehrmann grew up in Toowoomba.[4] He moved to Canberra to study at the Australian National University, where he began his political career.
Career
Lehrmann commenced work with the Attorney-General's Department and worked for various ministries until he joined Linda Reynolds's office in 2018. He worked as a political staffer for the Liberal Party of Australia, and as a lobbyist for British American Tobacco.[5]
Legal issues
Liberal Party staffer Brittany Higgins reported the rape to the Australian Federal Police in 2019. These allegations were made public in February 2021 without naming Lehrmann. He was charged in August 2021 with one count of rape, his identity was then made public. The criminal trial commenced on 19 October 2022, but was abandoned on 26 October 2022 due to prejudicial material being found in the jury room. [6] The ACT prosecutor Shane Drumgold announced he would not seek a retrial due to concerns about Higgins' mental health.
Drumgold's conduct was subject to an inquiry led by Walter Sofronoff. Sofronoff's conduct has been referred to the ACT Integrity Commission for alleged improper disclosures and contact with News Corp journalist Janet Albrechtsen.[7]
Lehrmann made his first public comments in June 2023 during an exclusive interview with Channel Seven. A Walkley Award nomination was revoked when it was later revealed that the network had paid for one year's rent as well as other expenses for Lehrmann, and did not accurately disclose this.[8]
In October 2023, Lehrmann was charged with another rape, which is alleged to have taken place in Toowoomba in October 2021.[9]
A defamation case taken by Lehrmann against Network 10 found, on the balance of probabilities, he had raped Higgins.[2]
Lehrmann was initially due to speak at a Restoring the Presumption of Innocence conference organised by Bettina Arndt in June 2024. Arndt, described as one of Lehrmann's central supporters, has categorically denied raising money for or asking anyone to pay money to Lehrmann.[10] However, Lehrmann later withdrew as a speaker a day after the conclusion of his defamation trial, being "concerned that his participation may threaten the audience, jeopardise this important event, and distract from its main purpose".[11]
References
- ^ Toomey, J. "Federal Court judge finds Bruce Lehrmann raped Brittany Higgins, defamation case fails". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
- ^ a b Lehrmann v Network Ten Pty Limited [2024] FCA 369, Federal Court (Australia)
- ^ Hardaker, David (2022-10-27). "Who is Bruce Lehrmann?". Crikey. Retrieved 2024-04-15.
- ^ "Bruce Lehrmann named as man accused of rape in Toowoomba". ABC News. 26 October 2023.
- ^ Knaus, Christopher (24 March 2023). "Bruce Lehrmann told employer 'false allegations' had not hurt his ability to lobby effectively, documents show". The Guardian.
- ^ "Routine tidying unearths juror research that torpedoes Bruce Lehrmann rape trial". ABC News. 26 October 2022.
- ^ "Conduct of head of inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann's prosecution referred to ACT Integrity Commission". ABC News. 5 April 2024.
- ^ Jaspan, Calum (7 December 2023). "Seven's Lehrmann scoop disqualified from Walkley Awards". The Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ "Bruce Lehrmann rape charges heading back to court as timing of alleged offences revealed". ABC News. 28 October 2023. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
- ^ McClymont, Kate (7 April 2024). "Want to hear from Bruce Lehrmann about the justice system? That will be $100 a ticket, please". The Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ "Lehrmann withdraws from 'presumption of innocence' speaking role". The New Daily. 16 April 2024. Retrieved 16 April 2024.