Bruce Lehrmann

Bruce Lehrmann is a familiar name in the media these days. The former Liberal staffer has been accused of raping Brittany Higgins in Parliament House in 2019.

The case has been highly publicized, with Lehrmann denying the allegations. The trial has been delayed several times, and a retrial is expected to take place later this year.

So, who is Bruce Lehrmann? And what do we know about the case against him?

Early life and career

Bruce Lehrmann was born in Sydney in 1988. He studied law at the University of New South Wales, and worked as a lawyer before entering politics.

Lehrmann joined the Liberal Party in 2015, and worked as an adviser to several MPs, including Michaelia Cash and Linda Reynolds.

The alleged rape

In March 2019, Lehrmann and Brittany Higgins went out for drinks with colleagues after work. Higgins alleges that Lehrmann raped her in the office of Defence Minister Linda Reynolds.

Lehrmann denies the allegations.

The investigation

Higgins reported the alleged rape to the police in April 2019. The police investigated the allegations, and Lehrmann was charged with sexual intercourse without consent.

The trial was due to start in June 2022, but was delayed several times. A retrial is expected to take place later this year.

The impact of the case

The case has had a significant impact on Australian politics. It has led to calls for a change in the culture of Parliament House, and has reignited the debate about sexual assault.

The case has also been a difficult time for both Lehrmann and Higgins. Lehrmann has lost his job and has been subjected to public scrutiny. Higgins has had to relive the alleged rape in court.

• The future