Bruce Lehrmann: man charged with Brittany Higgins’ sexual assault to face Supreme Court

The ex-government employee charged with allegedly raping Brittany Higgins at Parliament House has faced court again ahead of a Supreme Court trial.

The man who police allege sexually assaulted former government staffer Brittany Higgins at Parliament House is bound for the Supreme Court after his latest appearance before a magistrate.

Bruce Lehrmann, 26, appeared by phone in ACT Magistrates Court, while his solicitor Warwick Korn appeared via audiovisual link.

Police allege Mr Lehrmann had sexual intercourse without consent with Ms Higgins at Parliament House, Canberra on March 23, 2019 following Friday night drinks.

Ms Higgins said she “woke up mid-rape” after lying down on a couch at the Defence Minister’s office.

Mr Lehrmann pleaded not guilty to one count of sexual intercourse without consent in relation to the alleged 2019 incident when he first appeared in court in September.

A charge of sexual intercourse without consent carries a maximum 12-year prison sentence.

Brittany Higgins was allegedly sexually assaulted in at Parliament House. Picture: Damian Shaw

The court was packed with journalists on Friday for what was ultimately a very brief mention at the ACT Magistrates Court.

“Hello, Bruce speaking,” Lerhmann said as he confirmed his appearance in court.

As soon as he spoke members of the press began to type furiously despite little progress made in the mention.

After brief discussion with the prosecutor and the defence Magistrate Robert Cook swiftly committed the matter to trial in the Supreme Court.

Mr Lehrmann will next appear on November 18.

After being brought into the public sphere by Ms Higgins the alleged incident has attracted national attention.

Her public allegations have resulted in three reviews into how women and political staff are treated.

The case has sparked a discussion about the status of women and workplace culture at Parliament House.