Andrew Bolt blasts Scott Morrison for Brittany Higgins apology

Sky News host Andrew Bolt has slammed the PM’s apology to women in parliament, claiming it jeopardises a fair trial for Brittany Higgins’ alleged rapist.

Sky News host Andrew Bolt has taken issue with Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s apology to women assaulted in parliament, claiming it puts a fair trial for Brittany Higgins’ alleged rapist in jeopardy.

On Tuesday, Mr Morrison delivered a formal apology to the alleged victims of sexual harassment, assault and bullying in parliament.

“I am sorry. We are sorry. I am sorry to Ms Higgins for the terrible things that took place here. And the place that should have been a place for safety and contribution, turned out to be a nightmare,” he said.

“I am sorry for far more than that. All of those who came before Ms Higgins.”

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison on the Anniversary of National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse, in Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage

Mr Morrison apologised to Brittany Higgins and other alleged victims of assault in parliament. Picture: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

Bolt took aim at Mr Morrison over the apology on Wednesday night, raising questions over whether his comments jeopardise the trial of Bruce Lehrmann, the man charged with of raping Higgins in Parliament House in 2019.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charge and he is due to stand trial this year.

The conservative columnist branded the situation “just disgusting”.

“Basically, the right to a fair trial by an accused man of a very serious charge, thrown under a bus, just to get a politician out of trouble. I just think this is sick,” Bolt said.

“I thought we went through all this with the Pell scandal, once again though, we are seeing mob rule threaten the rule of law.”

Bolt also claimed it was “astonishing” that both sides of politics had to be reminded by the Speaker that Lehrmann was pleading not guilty.

Sky News host Andrew Bolt (left) has criticised Prime Minister Scott Morrison's apology. Picture: Sky News

This isn’t the first time Bolt has commented on Ms Higgins’ alleged rapist’s right to have his side of the situation heard.

In a column for the Herald Sun just under a year ago, Bolt urged more “faith in the justice system” in response to Ms Higgins’ claims.

“We should also remember we’ve heard only one side of this alleged rape. The man she accuses may have a different memory of what happened,” he wrote.

Lawyer for the accused, Warwick Korn, partner at Korn Tlais Defence Lawyers in Sydney, echoed these concerns, telling The Daily Telegraph that it was becoming more difficult “by the hour” for his client to receive a fair trial.

“A fair trial, free of the interference, grandstanding and other improprieties of late, is what the community, Ms Higgins and (the accused) is owed,” Mr Korn said.

“The likelihood of this occurring seems to diminish by the hour.”

Mr Korn noted Lehrmann voluntarily conducted a lengthy interview with police and has done everything asked of him throughout the investigation, and claimed Mr Morrison’s apology further impacted his client’s chance at receiving a fair trial.

“In light of the complexity, difficulty and importance of the task before any jury already, the behaviour of our prime minister and others in this last 24 hours truly beggars belief,” Mr Krorn said.

Former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann has pleaded not guilty after being accused of sexually assaulting Ms Higgins in 2019.

During his speech on Monday, Mr Morrison stressed that his apology was “only the start”, saying he was “determined that we deliver the outcomes of the Jenkins review”.

He said parliament was “working together towards implementation” of the review’s 28 recommendations.

“That is our promise to those who are here today, and those watching across Australia,” he said.

“I want this building to be a place where young Australians, and young women in particular, can follow their dreams and live out their beliefs and not have them crushed by brutality and the misuse of power. That’s what I’m dedicated to.”

After Mr Morrison’s apology, Ms Higgins’ said she wanted to “earnestly” thank the Prime Minister and other leaders, but also wanted more than just words.

“It was encouraging, and an important sentiment, but I am cognisant that, at this point in time, they are still only words,” she said.

“Task-forces are great. Codes of conduct are important. But only if it’s paired with institutional change.

“There are 28 recommendations in the Jenkins review and, without their implementation, we will continue to see this toxic culture exist within our most powerful institution.”