Bruce Lehrmann charged with rape of Brittany Higgins to face trial
A Queensland man accused of sexually assaulting former political staffer Brittany Higgins will go to trial over the allegations.
A Queensland man who is charged with sexually assaulting Brittany Higgins at Parliament House will go to trial to fight the allegations.
Bruce Lehrmann on Friday linked into the hearing via phone in the ACT Magistrates Court where he was committed to a trial in the Supreme Court.
“With the consent of the prosecution I waive the committal proceedings and commit you to the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory,” magistrate Robert Cook said.
“You are committed to the Supreme Court for trial.”
During the brief hearing Mr Lehrmann only spoke to the magistrate to confirm his identity and that he was present.
Mr Lehrmann previously pleaded not guilty to a charge of sexual intercourse without consent, being reckless as to whether Ms Higgins consented.
The former political staffer came forward in February this year alleging she had been assaulted in the office of then Defence Minister Linda Reynolds on March 23, 2019. Mr Lehrmann denies the claim.
In a statement earlier this year, Mr Lehrmann’s lawyer said he “absolutely and unequivocally denies that any form of sexual activity took place at all”.
The charge he is facing carries a maximum sentence of 12 years imprisonment if convicted.
Ms Higgins has granted permission to NCA NewsWire to be identified as the alleged victim in Mr Lehrmann’s court matter.
Mr Lehrmann will next face a hearing in the Supreme Court on November 18.
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