Bruce Lehrmann prosecution inquiry head rejects corruption findings, saying he could not 'commit a contempt of himself'
1 week, 6 days ago

Bruce Lehrmann prosecution inquiry head rejects corruption findings, saying he could not 'commit a contempt of himself'

ABC  

The retired judge who led an inquiry into the criminal prosecution of Bruce Lehrmann has sought to legally skewer findings that he engaged in "serious corrupt conduct" with journalists, arguing that he could not "commit a contempt of himself". Walter Sofronoff has asked the Federal Court to overturn the ACT Integrity Commission's conclusions that he acted corruptly by giving journalists early access to material, including draft and final versions of his own inquiry report. It says that the ACT Inquiries Act empowered Mr Sofronoff to do "whatever considers necessary or convenient for the fair and prompt conduct of the inquiry". Sofronoff says he did not owe 'any obligation of procedural fairness' to chief minister When Mr Sofronoff revealed he had provided an advance copy of his final report to two journalists before it was officially released, the ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said he was "extremely disappointed".

Prosecution Inquiry Commission Public Act Journalists Findings Conduct Ms Higgins Lehrmann Bruce Lehrmann Mr Lehrmann Walter Sofronoff Sofronoff Mr Sofronoff Drumgold Shane Drumgold  saying  act  findings  conduct  criminal  commission  head  inquiry  sofronoff  public  lehrmann  journalists  commit  mr  rejects  prosecution  corruption  contempt

History of this topic

What happens next to Bruce Lehrmann? Will he be charged?
11 months, 2 weeks ago

What happens next to Bruce Lehrmann? Will he be charged?

Daily Mail  

EXCLUSIVE Bruce Lehrmann is highly unlikely to be prosecuted again for the rape of Brittany Higgins but a second criminal case is not technically impossible. One of the country's most experienced criminal lawyers told Daily Mail Australia he could not see the Federal Court finding that Lehrmann had raped Ms Higgins leading to further charges. Bruce Lehrmann was highly unlikely …

Bruce Lehrmann defamation verdict LIVE: Judge finds Lehrmann raped Brittany Higgins and was 'hellbent' on having sex with her at Parliament House
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Bruce Lehrmann defamation verdict LIVE: Judge finds Lehrmann raped Brittany Higgins and was 'hellbent' on having sex with her at Parliament House

Daily Mail  

Federal Court Justice Michael Lee will hand down his decision in Bruce Lehrmann's defamation case against Lisa Wilkinson and Channel Ten at 10.15am today. Mr Lehrmann launched defamation proceedings over an episode of The Project in February 2021, during which Brittany Higgins went public with her rape allegations for the first time in an interview with Wilkinson. Ms Higgins alleged …

Conduct of Walter Sofronoff, who chaired inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann's prosecution, referred to ACT Integrity Commission
11 months, 4 weeks ago

Conduct of Walter Sofronoff, who chaired inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann's prosecution, referred to ACT Integrity Commission

ABC  

In short: The ACT Integrity Commission is assessing allegations surrounding the conduct of Walter Sofronoff, who chaired the board of inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann's prosecution. The ACT Integrity Commission is assessing allegations surrounding the conduct of Walter Sofronoff, who chaired the board of inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann's prosecution. The ACT Integrity Commission is assessing allegations about the conduct of Walter …

Contact between journalist and head of inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann's prosecution gave rise to an impression of bias, court rules
1 year ago

Contact between journalist and head of inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann's prosecution gave rise to an impression of bias, court rules

ABC  

In short: Acting Supreme Court Justice Stephen Kaye ruled communications between the head of the inquiry, Walter Sofronoff, and journalist Janet Albrechtsen could lead a fair-minded observer to conclude she impacted his views. Acting Supreme Court Justice Stephen Kaye ruled communications between the head of the inquiry, Walter Sofronoff, and journalist Janet Albrechtsen could lead a fair-minded observer to conclude …

Lawyers deny journalist received preferential treatment by Walter Sofronoff during inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann prosecution
1 year, 1 month ago

Lawyers deny journalist received preferential treatment by Walter Sofronoff during inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann prosecution

ABC  

In short: Former ACT director of public prosecutions Shane Drumgold is challenging damning findings made about his conduct during the prosecution of Bruce Lehrmann for the alleged rape of Brittany Higgins. Mr Drumgold's lawyers say he was denied natural justice as he was not afforded the opportunity to respond to allegations that he misled two junior solicitors and made false …

Shane Drumgold's lawyers argue Walter Sofronoff was 'infected' with bias by journalist during inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann's prosecution
1 year, 1 month ago

Shane Drumgold's lawyers argue Walter Sofronoff was 'infected' with bias by journalist during inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann's prosecution

ABC  

In short: Former ACT director of public prosecutions Shane Drumgold has begun his case challenging damning findings made about his conduct. Mr Drumgold's lawyers say the head of an inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann's prosecution, Walter Sofronoff, was "infected" with bias by The Australian journalist Janet Albrechtsen. Mr Drumgold's barrister Dan O'Gorman on Tuesday argued hours of phone calls and text …

Bruce Lehrmann's defamation trial has now wrapped in the Federal Court, but a decision isn't expected until well into next year
1 year, 3 months ago

Bruce Lehrmann's defamation trial has now wrapped in the Federal Court, but a decision isn't expected until well into next year

ABC  

Did she make it up to save her job, or was Brittany Higgins sexually assaulted by her former colleague Bruce Lehrmann at Parliament House after a night out drinking? That is one of the key issues Federal Court Justice Michael Lee will have to grapple with this summer as he considers the enormous volume of evidence in Mr Lehrmann's defamation …

Bruce Lehrmann denies evading questions from chief of staff about Parliament House entry on night of alleged rape
1 year, 4 months ago

Bruce Lehrmann denies evading questions from chief of staff about Parliament House entry on night of alleged rape

ABC  

Bruce Lehrmann has denied trying to evade questioning from his former chief of staff about his entry to Parliament House on the night Brittany Higgins was allegedly raped in March 2019. Key points: Bruce Lehrmann is facing his fourth day on the stand in the Federal Court Mr Lehrmann is suing Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson over coverage of Brittany …

ACT chief minister says early release of report into Bruce Lehrmann's prosecution may have breached law
1 year, 7 months ago

ACT chief minister says early release of report into Bruce Lehrmann's prosecution may have breached law

ABC  

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr has expressed his "extreme disappointment" over the leaking of a report out of the inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann's prosecution, saying its author Walter Sofronoff had a "significant lapse of judgement". Key points: The report into the conduct of criminal justice agencies during Bruce Lehrmann's prosecution has been released to the public The report's findings were …

Shane Drumgold sparked the inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann's prosecution. Now he's copping most of its fallout
1 year, 7 months ago

Shane Drumgold sparked the inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann's prosecution. Now he's copping most of its fallout

ABC  

If one thing stands out in the final report of the inquiry into the prosecution of Bruce Lehrmann, it is the strong language used to describe ACT Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold. The man who led the inquiry, former Queensland judge Walter Sofronoff, accused the ACT's top prosecutor of "serious misconduct" during the investigation of Mr Lehrmann and his …

ACT government bows to pressure, announces it will release report into Bruce Lehrmann's prosecution earlier than planned
1 year, 7 months ago

ACT government bows to pressure, announces it will release report into Bruce Lehrmann's prosecution earlier than planned

ABC  

The ACT government has bowed to political and public pressure, and will formally release the report from an inquiry into the prosecution of former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann next week. Key points: The ACT government will release Walter Sofronoff's inquiry report earlier than planned The report heavily criticised ACT's top prosecutor, Shane Drumgold, whose allegations of political interference in Mr …

Bruce Lehrmann inquiry report accuses ACT director of public prosecutions of 'knowingly lying', making 'wholly false' allegations
1 year, 7 months ago

Bruce Lehrmann inquiry report accuses ACT director of public prosecutions of 'knowingly lying', making 'wholly false' allegations

ABC  

A report on the prosecution of former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann over the alleged rape of Brittany Higgins has accused the ACT's top prosecutor of "knowingly lying" to the ACT's chief justice. Key points: ACT Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold says he has not yet seen a copy of the report, so can't comment further The inquiry into Mr …

Inquiry report into abandoned prosecution of Bruce Lehrmann to be handed to ACT government
1 year, 8 months ago

Inquiry report into abandoned prosecution of Bruce Lehrmann to be handed to ACT government

ABC  

The ACT government will today be informed of the findings from an inquiry into the trial of former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann over the alleged rape of Brittany Higgins. Key points: The government will today receive a report on the now-abandoned rape trial of Bruce Lehrmann The inquiry was sparked by the ACT's top prosecutor claiming police pressured him not …

As the inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann's trial wrapped up this week, it was clear the goalposts had shifted
1 year, 9 months ago

As the inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann's trial wrapped up this week, it was clear the goalposts had shifted

ABC  

The former Queensland judge appointed to lead the inquiry into the prosecution of Bruce Lehrmann must have wondered what he'd walked into. The inquiry had been sparked by claims police had pressured the ACT's Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold not to pursue the charge against Mr Lehrmann for the alleged rape of Brittany Higgins. The ACT's top prosecutor had …

Accusations crumbling and concessions coming thick and fast in inquiry into trial of Bruce Lehrmann
1 year, 10 months ago

Accusations crumbling and concessions coming thick and fast in inquiry into trial of Bruce Lehrmann

ABC  

The inquiry into the prosecution of former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann over the alleged rape of Brittany Higgins should have been simple enough. The inquiry was to also look into Mr Drumgold's actions, as well as the role of ACT Victims of Crime Commissioner Heidi Yates. It is clear from the evidence that senior police did harbour concerns about the …

Inquiry hears senior police officers were under 'significant pressure' to charge Bruce Lehrmann
1 year, 10 months ago

Inquiry hears senior police officers were under 'significant pressure' to charge Bruce Lehrmann

ABC  

A senior police officer who investigated Brittany Higgins's rape allegation says he was under pressure from her, the media and the police internally to charge Bruce Lehrmann. Key points: The inquiry into the handling of Bruce Lehrmann's now-abandoned trial is continuing Detective Superintendent Scott Moller told the inquiry he believed there was not enough evidence to charge Mr Lehrmann Inquiry …

ACT Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold temporarily replaced amid Bruce Lehrmann trial inquiry
1 year, 10 months ago

ACT Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold temporarily replaced amid Bruce Lehrmann trial inquiry

ABC  

The ACT Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold has been replaced in the position while an inquiry into the handling of the Bruce Lehrmann case continues. Key points: Shane Drumgold's deputy is taking over the top job while he spends one month on leave Mr Drumgold has faced intense questioning as part of the inquiry into the handling of the …

Bruce Lehrmann's barrister Steve Whybrow says he was angered by suggestion he colluded with Linda Reynolds during trial
1 year, 10 months ago

Bruce Lehrmann's barrister Steve Whybrow says he was angered by suggestion he colluded with Linda Reynolds during trial

ABC  

Bruce Lehrmann's defence barrister has rejected suggestions he colluded with Senator Linda Reynolds during Mr Lehrmann's trial for the alleged rape of Brittany Higgins. Key points: Defence barrister Steve Whybrow has taken the stand on day six of the board of inquiry Mr Whybrow told the inquiry he was "pissed off" over the suggestion he colluded with Linda Reynolds during …

Bruce Lehrmann's lawyer says he demanded that ACT's chief prosecutor stop Brittany Higgins from addressing National Press Club
1 year, 10 months ago

Bruce Lehrmann's lawyer says he demanded that ACT's chief prosecutor stop Brittany Higgins from addressing National Press Club

ABC  

The former lawyer for Bruce Lehrmann says he tried to get the ACT's chief prosecutor to prevent Brittany Higgins from giving a speech at the National Press Club about sexual assault. Key points: A lawyer for Bruce Lehrmann says he told the DPP to prevent Brittany Higgins from giving a speech Mr Lehrmann, who was accused of raping Ms Higgins, …

ACT Director of Public Prosecutions tells inquiry he suspected federal politicians may have tried to interfere with Bruce Lehrmann's prosecution
1 year, 10 months ago

ACT Director of Public Prosecutions tells inquiry he suspected federal politicians may have tried to interfere with Bruce Lehrmann's prosecution

ABC  

The ACT's top prosecutor feared that federal ministers may have interfered with police to try to thwart the prosecution of Bruce Lehrmann, an inquiry has heard. Key points: The ACT Director of Public Prosecutions says he felt it was possible politicians were interfering with the police investigation He specifically wanted Liberal ministers Linda Reynolds and Michaelia Cash to have no …

Bruce Lehrmann given go-ahead by Federal Court to sue journalists and media outlets over Brittany Higgins interviews
1 year, 11 months ago

Bruce Lehrmann given go-ahead by Federal Court to sue journalists and media outlets over Brittany Higgins interviews

ABC  

The Federal Court has given the go-ahead to former Liberal Party adviser Bruce Lehrmann's plan to sue media outlets over interviews they conducted with Brittany Higgins. Mr Lehrmann's lawyers told the Federal Court last month that, because of the criminal matter, it would not have been reasonable for him to file a defamation case in 2021. Media argue Lehrmann had …

Board of Inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann trial hears relationship between police and prosecutors was 'beset by tension' from outset
1 year, 11 months ago

Board of Inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann trial hears relationship between police and prosecutors was 'beset by tension' from outset

ABC  

An ACT Board of Inquiry into the prosecution of Bruce Lehrmann over the alleged rape of Brittany Higgins has heard the key relationship between police and prosecutors was "beset by tension" from the outset. Key points: The inquiry is examining whether the DPP, police and the Victims of Crime Commissioner fulfilled their responsibilities during the trial Counsel assisting the inquiry …

Bruce Lehrmann speaks on inquiry into aborted rape trial after Brittany Higgins allegations
2 years, 3 months ago

Bruce Lehrmann speaks on inquiry into aborted rape trial after Brittany Higgins allegations

Daily Mail  

The ACT government will move ahead with an inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann's aborted trial, with the former parliamentary staffer 'welcoming' the news. ACT Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury and Chief Minister Andrew Barr announced the independent inquiry on Wednesday after a number of 'complaints and allegations' were made about the trial. The trial was aborted due to juror misconduct Mr Barr said …

Scathing letter alleging police and political interference in Bruce Lehrmann trial made public
2 years, 3 months ago

Scathing letter alleging police and political interference in Bruce Lehrmann trial made public

ABC  

A dispute between the ACT's chief prosecutor and the territory's police force is continuing, with the public release of a letter alleging interference in the now-abandoned rape trial of Bruce Lehrmann. Key points: A letter written by ACT Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold alleged police and political interference in the rape trial of Bruce Lehrmann ACT Opposition Leader Elizabeth …

Brittany Higgins' accused rapist Bruce Lehrmann 'faced complaints from other women'
2 years, 4 months ago

Brittany Higgins' accused rapist Bruce Lehrmann 'faced complaints from other women'

Daily Mail  

The second trial of Mr Lehrmann, slated for February, has now been abandoned The contents of two redacted paragraphs in a major judgment in the trial of Brittany Higgins' accused rapist - which concern claims other women had complained about Bruce Lehrmann's behaviour - can be revealed. The contents of two redacted paragraphs in a major judgment in the trial …

Bruce Lehrmann could still go to trial for alleged rape of Brittany Higgins despite charge drop
2 years, 4 months ago

Bruce Lehrmann could still go to trial for alleged rape of Brittany Higgins despite charge drop

Daily Mail  

The ACT Director of Public Prosecutions could order a second trial in the future The first trial was abandoned after one juror brought in unauthorised materials The charge drop means Mr Lehrmann won't face a second trial in February, 2023 Bruce Lehrmann could still face prosecution for allegedly raping Brittany Higgins even though she dropped the charges against him to …

Closed door hearing to be held in case of Brittany Higgins' accused rapist, Bruce Lehrmann
2 years, 4 months ago

Closed door hearing to be held in case of Brittany Higgins' accused rapist, Bruce Lehrmann

Daily Mail  

Closed-door hearing will be held about an application in Bruce Lehrman's trial Brittany Higgins is pictured outside ACT Supreme Court A hearing will be held behind closed doors concerning an application in the trial of Brittany Higgins' accused rapist. The trial of Bruce Lehrmann was aborted after three-and-a-half weeks in the ACT Supreme Court last month, when a juror brought …

Bruce Lehrmann to face retrial next year over alleged rape of Brittany Higgins, prosecutor confirms
2 years, 5 months ago

Bruce Lehrmann to face retrial next year over alleged rape of Brittany Higgins, prosecutor confirms

ABC  

Former Liberal Party staffer Bruce Lehrmann will be retried next year over the alleged rape of Brittany Higgins, the ACT Director of Public Prosecutions has confirmed. Mr Lehrmann faces a single charge of sexual assault over the alleged incident in Parliament House in 2019. However, after 12 days of hearings and more than five days of jury deliberations, Chief Justice …

How the immense interest in Brittany Higgins changed the way the media reported Bruce Lehrmann's rape trial
2 years, 5 months ago

How the immense interest in Brittany Higgins changed the way the media reported Bruce Lehrmann's rape trial

ABC  

As Australia watched the rape trial of Bruce Lehrmann unfold, the usual caveats in covering the events of the courtroom were thrown out the window. Towards the end of her remarks in the case, Chief Justice McCallum turned her attention to the media, warning any reporting which prejudices a fair trial for Mr Lehrmann will be in contempt of court. …

What the jury heard in court before it was discharged in the trial of Bruce Lehrmann
2 years, 5 months ago

What the jury heard in court before it was discharged in the trial of Bruce Lehrmann

ABC  

The jury in the trial of alleged rapist Bruce Lehrmann has been discharged, but in the mistrial's wake remains a little over two weeks of hearings and testimony. They alleged Mr Lehrmann provided three different reasons for why he and Ms Higgins had gone to Parliament House on the night of the alleged assault. A Parliament House security guard who …

Brittany Higgins: How sheriff knocking over a file led to Bruce Lehrmann mistrial
2 years, 5 months ago

Brittany Higgins: How sheriff knocking over a file led to Bruce Lehrmann mistrial

Daily Mail  

The trial of Brittany Higgins' accused rapist Bruce Lehrmann was sensationally aborted after a court sheriff officer cleaning the jury room found prohibited documents. On what should have been the jury's seventh day of deliberations, Chief Justice Lucy McCallum on Thursday morning dismissed the 12 jurors in a shocking end to the four week trial. Bruce Lehrmann arrives at the …

Defence and prosecution lawyers make closing arguments in ACT Supreme Court trial of Bruce Lehrmann
2 years, 5 months ago

Defence and prosecution lawyers make closing arguments in ACT Supreme Court trial of Bruce Lehrmann

ABC  

Prosecution and defence lawyers on Tuesday gave closing submissions in the case of Bruce Lehrmann, the man accused of raping Brittany Higgins inside Parliament House in 2019. Key points: Bruce Lehrmann is accused of raping Brittany Higgins in Parliament House in 2019 and has pleaded not guilty In his closing submissions, Mr Lehrmann's lawyer argued that Ms Higgins had said …

Second week of Bruce Lehrmann rape trial sees his police interview and parliamentary witnesses testify in ACT Supreme Court
2 years, 5 months ago

Second week of Bruce Lehrmann rape trial sees his police interview and parliamentary witnesses testify in ACT Supreme Court

ABC  

The Bruce Lehrmann trial became a private affair this week, at least in the short term, with journalists barred from reporting on the evidence before Brittany Higgins had finished her cross examination. Key points: Bruce Lehrmann has faced the second week of his trial for allegedly raping his coworker Mr Lehrmann has pleaded not guilty to the charge and says …

Trial of Brittany Higgins's alleged rapist Bruce Lehrmann begins in ACT Supreme Court
2 years, 5 months ago

Trial of Brittany Higgins's alleged rapist Bruce Lehrmann begins in ACT Supreme Court

ABC  

A former Liberal Party staffer told police she cried as she was allegedly raped in Parliament House, and said no at least half a dozen times. Key points: Bruce Lehrmann has pleaded not guilty to raping Brittany Higgins at Parliament House in March 2019 Ms Higgins says she pleaded with Mr Lehrmann "at least half a dozen times" to stop …

Discover Related