Magistrate Rodney Higgins’ fiancee Ashleigh Petrie dies in Metung car crash

Victoria’s legal community is in shock after the death of 23-year-old Ashleigh Petrie, who was in a controversial relationship with magistrate Rodney Higgins. The tragedy comes after she spoke of a culture of relationships in the court.

Ashleigh Petrie, pictured with fiance Rodney Higgins, has died in a car crash.

A young woman at the centre of a magistrates’ court controversy has died after being hit by a car in Victoria’s east.

Ashleigh Petrie was killed after being struck by a vehicle in Metung in the early hours yesterday.

The 23-year-old clerk from Mirboo North had announced her engagement to country magistrate Rodney Higgins only weeks ago.

Staff at magistrates’ courts in Melbourne and regional Victoria were left reeling after news broke of Ms Petrie’s death, with cases at Latrobe Valley court in Morwell adjourned for the day.

Counselling and support services were offered to employees.

In late September, Ms Petrie shared her excitement following her engagement to Mr Higgins, 68, saying: “I love you more than words could possibly describe.”

But earlier this month, staff across Victoria’s magistrates’ courts were warned over inappropriate relationships with judicial officers, amid complaints regarding the romance between Ms Petrie and Mr Higgins.

Court clerk Ashleigh Petrie with her magistrate fiance Rodney Higgins.

The Herald Sun revealed a cautionary memo was issued to court staff on October 7.

Concerns had been raised with Victoria’s Chief Magistrate Peter Lauritsen over a power imbalance between Mr Higgins and Ms Petrie and potential interference in cases.

Mr Lauristen refused to comment publicly on the issues, despite numerous reports by this paper revealing allegations of other relationships between clerks and magistrates.

Ms Petrie, herself, told the Herald Sun she had concerns over hypocrisy in the court.

The young clerk told the paper she was aware of several relationships between magistrates and junior staff, while revealing she had also been romantically involved with Costas Kilias, a magistrate who also played Darryl Kerrigan’s neighbour Farouk in classic movie The Castle.

The couple was engaged during a 10-day romantic getaway to Fiji last month.

Attorney-General Jill Hennessy refused to be drawn on the relationship when it was first revealed, later saying she did not believe any rules had been broken.

But as senior lawyers flagged misgivings over Mr Higgins’ integrity, Shadow Attorney-General Ed O’Donohue last week wrote to the Judicial Commission of Victoria, asking it to investigate his suitability for the role.

Mr O’Donohue cited concerns over the relationship with Ms Petrie and claims the magistrate had a serious drinking problem.

“Judicial officers hold a very high and important office within the Victorian community, and the standards of conduct and integrity to which they are held are so much higher,” Mr O’Donohue said.

Yesterday, Mr Lauristen released a statement confirming with “deep regret”, Ms Petrie’s death.

“Our thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time,” he said.

Ms Petrie was struck and killed about 1am on Metung Rd.

The driver stopped to help, but Ms Petrie could not be saved.

It is understood there were no suspicious circumstances. A report is expected to be prepared for the coroner.