The case of a former political adviser accused of raping a colleague inside Australia Parliament House has been aborted after juror misconduct Bruce Lehrmann, 27, denies sexually assaulting Brittany Higgins on a government minister sofa after a night out in Canberra in 2019. He says they did not have sex at all. But after a 12-day trial and five days of deliberation the jury was discharged when it emerged one member had looked at academic research on sexual assault. Juries are required to reach a verdict only on evidence presented in the courtroom. The research was discovered by a court official during  routine tidying of the jury room, Justice Lucy McCallum told a court.

It may be that no harm has been done, but that is not a risk I can take, the judge said, adding she had previously warned the jury at least 17 times. It is not yet clear if there will be a retrial, but Justice McCallum set aside a date in February in the event one goes ahead. Before giving her account to police in early 2021, Ms Higgins gave up her right to anonymity and went public with her claims in high-profile newspaper and television interviews. Her allegations were a catalyst for what been called Australia Me Too moment, sparking huge protests over the safety of women, particularly in politics. Speaking outside court, Ms Higgins criticised the justice system and said the trial had taken a toll. I told the truth, no matter how uncomfortable or unflattering, to the court, she said. My life has been publicly scrutinised, open for the world to see.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-INP