‘I chose to speak up … This outcome does not change that truth’: Brittany Higgins speaks after Bruce Lehrmann trial aborted
Brittany Higgins breaks down while delivering a speech shortly after the Bruce Lehrmann rape trial is aborted.
An emotional Brittany Higgins has spoken outside the ACT Supreme Court after Bruce Lehrmann’s rape trial was aborted.
Ms Higgins emerged from the court building almost an hour after court proceedings concluded, looking visibly upset.
The 27-year-old stopped in front of a large media throng, flanked by her mother, partner, lawyer and a sexual assault advocate.
“I chose to speak up – to speak up against rape, to speak up against injustice, speak up and share my experiences with others.
“I told the truth, no matter how uncomfortable or unflattering that truth was.
“This outcome does not change that truth.”
Mr Lehrmann’s lawyers have referred the speech to the Australian Federal Police and the court. Barrister Steven Whybrow said he understood Ms Higgins and her team were in court when Chief Justice Lucy McCallum discharged the jury and warned those present about making comments or statements that could prejudice the next trial.
Mr Whybrow said when he left court, he indicated to the media that it was inappropriate and irresponsible to comment because the date of the retrial had been fixed for February 20 next year.
The Australian has sought comment from Ms Higgins.
In the address, Ms Higgins said that she “never fully understood how asymmetrical the criminal justice system is”.
“But I do now,” she said.
“I was required to tell the truth under oath for over a week on the witness stand.
“I was cross-examined while he was afforded the choice of staying silent in court, head down in a notebook, completely detached.”
Ms Higgins said Mr Lehrmann “never faced one question” during the proceedings.
“I was required to surrender my telephones, my passwords, messages, photos and my data to him,” she said.
“He wasn’t required to produce his telephones, photos, passwords, messages or his data.
“My life has been publicly scrutinised for the world to see. His was not.”
Ms Higgins said Mr Lehrmann’s rape trial has wrongly been dubbed the ‘Higgins trial’.
“But I don’t blame you because it’s very clear who has been on trial,” she said.
“He hasn’t been held accountable for his actions or his story.
“This is the reality of how complainants in sexual assault cases are treated.
“Their lives are torn apart. Their friends and families are called to take the stand. And the accused has the legal right to say absolutely nothing.”
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