Brittany Higgins’ sex assault accused Bruce Lehrmann in court

The man accused of sexually assaulting former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins at Parliament House has appeared in court for the first time.

Bruce Lehrmann has briefly appeared before court charged with the alleged sexual assault of former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins at Parliament House in Canberra.

Lehrmann, 26, appeared by the ACT Magistrates Court via phone on Thursday morning, only speaking to confirm he could hear proceedings.

His lawyers requested a three week adjournment to read the brief of evidence and consult with their client, who is in Queensland.

Former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann appeared before court via telephone.

Prosecutor Shane Drumgold told the magistrate: “we remain ready to commit (to trial), but I don’t oppose the (adjournment) application”.

The matter was adjourned to November 5.

Lehrmann was not present for the first mention last month, where his lawyer entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

Police allege Lehrmann had sexual intercourse without consent with Ms Higgins at Parliament House in Canberra on March 23, 2019.

The charge carries a maximum 12-year prison sentence.

Previously in August, Lehrmann’s lawyer, John Korn said in a statement Lehrmann rejected the allegation there was sexual intercourse.

“My client absolutely and unequivocally denies that any form of sexual activity took place at all,’’ Mr Korn said. “He will defend the charge.”

Brittany Higgins spoke at the Canberra Womens March 4 Justice. Picture: Jamila Toderas/Getty Images

Former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann has denied allegations he sexually assaulted Brittany Higgins at Parliament House.

Detectives from ACT Policing specialist team dedicated to investigating sexual assaults first received a report about the alleged assault in April 2019.

According to ACT Policing the investigation had “remained open” since then, and in February 2021 a “formal complaint was made”.

“Detectives have since spoken to a number of witnesses and collected evidence as part of the investigation,” police said in a statement in August 2021.

In February this year, Ms Higgins went public with her allegations concerning the incident and the Morrison Government’s subsequent handling of her complaint.

Ms Higgins’ public allegations sparked three reviews into how complaints made by women and political staff are handled, including an independent inquiry.

Meanwhile Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins is conducting an review of parliament, but will not make findings about specific allegations.

Originally published as Brittany Higgins’ sex assault accused Bruce Lehrmann in court