Bruce Lehrmann rape trial abandoned, charges dropped

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Prosecutors have sensationally dropped the rape charge against Bruce Lehrmann, arguing a retrial would pose an unacceptable risk to Brittany Higgins' life. ElizaEdNews 9News MORE:

"I have recently received compelling evidence from two independent medical experts that the ongoing trauma associated with this prosecution presents a significant and unacceptable risk to the life of the complainant," he said."In light of the compelling independent medical opinion and balancing all factors, I have made the difficult decision that it is no longer in the public interest to pursue a prosecution at the risk of the complainant's life.

"This has left me no option but to file a notice declining to proceed with the retrial of this matter which I have done this morning. This brings the prosecution to an end." Higgins accused Lehrmann of sexually assaulting her in the office of then-Defence Minister Linda Reynolds in Parliament in March 2019.He pleaded not guilty in his initial trial.Drumgold praised Higgins' courage during the course of the prosecution.

"During the investigation and trial as a sexual assault complainant, Ms Higgins has faced a level of personal attack that I have not seen in over 20 years of doing this work," he said. "She has done so with bravery, grace and dignity and it is my hope that this will now stop and Ms Higgins will be allowed to heal."

 

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Bruce Lehrmann rape trial abandoned, charges droppedBREAKING: The retrial of former political staffer Bruce Lehrmann over the alleged rape of Brittany Higgins has been aborted and the charges dropped, because of new evidence concerning the impact on Higgins’ mental health.
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Bruce Lehrmann rape trial abandoned, charges droppedDirector of Public Prosecutions for the ACT, Shane Drumgold SC, said the trial would not proceed because of the unacceptable risk to tBrittany Higgins’ life.
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Bruce Lehrmann sexual assault charge expected to be droppedThe second trial of Bruce Lehrmann, the man accused of sexually assaulting Brittany Higgins, is expected to be abandoned and the charges dropped. | jamesmassola
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