On the night of March 22, 2019, Bruce Lehrmann and Brittany Higgins attended a pub in Canberra with colleagues, where they consumed alcohol. Lehrmann was accused of encouraging Higgins to drink excessively. They later proceeded to a nightclub, where they were seen being touchy with each other by witnesses. CCTV footage showed Higgins taking selfies at the nightclub. They eventually ended up at Parliament House, where Lehrmann signed Higgins in. The judge rejected Lehrmann’s claims that they returned to Parliament House to collect his keys.
After entering the ministerial suite at Parliament House, Lehrmann and Higgins were left alone. Lehrmann’s then-girlfriend called him multiple times, but he did not answer. The judge found Lehrmann raped Higgins on a couch in the office and was indifferent to her level of consent. CCTV footage showed Lehrmann leaving Parliament House alone. A security guard discovered Higgins naked on the couch in the minister’s office and recorded the incident in her notebook.
The judge found Lehrmann’s actions to be disgraceful and criticized him for promoting a false narrative of the events that occurred that night. Lehrmann’s sexual assault trial for Higgins’ case was aborted in 2022 due to juror misconduct, and he did not stand trial again due to concerns about Higgins’ mental health. Despite maintaining his innocence, Lehrmann’s defamation suit against Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson was unsuccessful.
The judge highlighted the excessive alcohol consumption by Higgins that night and the role Lehrmann played in encouraging her. Witnesses testified to witnessing intimate interactions between Lehrmann and Higgins at the nightclub. Lehrmann’s actions at the nightclub and in navigating the events that followed the night raised questions about his intentions and conduct. The judge also noted the inconsistencies in Lehrmann’s explanations and the lack of clarity on how certain drinks were paid for.
The judge emphasized the importance of independent evidence provided by witnesses and CCTV footage that supported key aspects of the case. Lehrmann’s behavior in the ministerial suite at Parliament House was deemed inappropriate, leading to the conclusion that he had acted in a predatory manner towards Higgins. The aftermath of the incident, including Lehrmann’s departure and the discovery of Higgins in a vulnerable state, painted a picture of misconduct and negligence on Lehrmann’s part.
Overall, the judge’s findings pointed to Lehrmann’s culpability in the sexual assault of Higgins and highlighted the need for accountability and justice in cases of this nature. The events of that night shed light on the dangers of alcohol-fueled situations and the importance of consent and responsibility in all interactions. The case serves as a reminder of the need for awareness, education, and action to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
