The trial of a former political adviser accused of raping a colleague at Australia's Parliament House has been dropped due to jury misconduct. Bruce Lehrmann, 27, has been accused of raping his colleague Brittany Higgins in a minister's office in Parliament.
House after a night of drinking in the Australian capital in March 2019. He pleaded not guilty and insisted there had been no sexual contact between the two. The Canberra trial lasted 12 days. 29, witnesses testified, including former government ministers Linda Reynolds and Michaelia Cash.
However, the trial was halted by Chief Justice of the Australian Capital Territory, Lucy McCallum, because at least one juror had a sexual assault investigative paper that was not included in the trial. The jury was repeatedly warned not to investigate the case outside of the parameters presented at trial.
Speaking to reporters in court, Higgins insisted the justice system had failed her. "This is the reality of how whistleblowers are treated in sexual assault cases. Aside from that, their friends and family are called to the witness stand and the accused has the legal right to say absolutely nothing," he said.
Defense attorneys argued that Higgins' comments outside court could prejudge a new trial and said they had referred his comments to the police and court for investigation. However, there is no confirmation from the police or the court at this time. He pondered for several days without making a decision. Australian Capital Territory law requires a jury to reach a unanimous verdict to determine if he is guilty or not guilty.
Protesters rallied in cities and towns to vent their anger at sexism and misogyny. It also led to a damning review that found a third of federal parliament staff had been sexually harassed. The prosecution and defense teams have yet to present arguments as to whether Lehrmann should be tried again.