Lisa Wilkinson’s husband Peter FitzSimons’ link to Brittany Higgins’ book deal could be explored at trial
Lisa Wilkinson’s husband Peter FitzSimons could be involved in the Brittany Higgins rape trial over his alleged connection to her book deal.
National
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The Project host Lisa Wilkinson’s husband Peter FitzSimons’ role in securing a lucrative book deal for former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins could be explored at her sexual assault trial.
Lawyers acting for Bruce Lehrmann, the man charged with one count of sex without consent, disclosed the likelihood they will pursue the issue during a legal hearing on Tuesday to request a temporary delay in the matter over pre-trial publicity.
Mr Lehrmann has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During the hearing, Mr Lehrmann’s barrister Steve Whybrow revealed that best-selling author Peter FitzSimons had been subpoenaed.
Tuesday’s hearing focused on a speech delivered by Ms Wilkinson after winning a Logie for her reporting on Ms Higgins’ allegations, which Justice Lucy McCallum said “completely obliterated” the distinction between an allegation and finding of guilt.
Mr Whybrow told the court the speech “did not need to be made”, and had generated fresh interest in the case, with more than 800,000 searches allegedly made related to the speech on Monday alone.
“It’s not just (Ms Wilkinson) came and did an interview and she’s then had an ongoing affection or admiration of her,’’ Mr Whybrow said.
“Within a few weeks of that interview going to where it would appear that Ms Wilkinson’s husband has assisted the complainant to get a book deal worth quite a lot of money.”
ACT Supreme Court Chief Justice Lucy McCallum then interjected and said, “Sorry, is that the subpoena to Mr FitzSimons? Has that been produced yet? Or are you just going on public reports?”
“Ms Higgins was a welcome visitor to the Wilkinson-FitzSimons house. He helped by being a go between (on the book deal),” Mr Whybrow said.
Justice McCallum then interjected again stating “there’s not necessarily mischief in that”.
Mr Whybrow said Ms Higgins’ credibility was the central question at the trial and that Ms Wilkinson had effectively said in her speech on Sunday night, “I believe her” and you’re “the bravest woman I know”.
“This speech did not need to be made,’’ Mr Whybrow said.
The Project host may also be a witness at the trial.
Justice McCallum then referenced Julia Gillard’s celebrated misogyny speech, describing it as the “most powerful speech by a woman certainly in my memory”.
“I can actually recite the whole speech,’’ she said.
Previously Justice McCallum “strongly” warned “any person who has any interest” in the case to be careful.
“A man has been accused of a very serious offence, it is an offence that can only be tried with a jury,” she said in the ACT Supreme Court.
“The laws about contempt are well known in this country.
“Statements made before a criminal trial that might interfere with the administration of justice and, in particular, the ability of an accused man to have a fair trial risk falling in the classification of contempt.”
She said she “strongly” urged people to be careful.
“If I could put it in blunter terms, the more people keep talking about this case the greater the risk the prosecution will be stayed,” she said.
Justice McCallum will deliver her decision on whether a stay will be granted at 2pm.
Originally published as Lisa Wilkinson’s husband Peter FitzSimons’ link to Brittany Higgins’ book deal could be explored at trial
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