After the Bruce Lehrmann trial met an abrupt end, the prosecution says it will pursue a retrial

The ACT's top prosecutor has confirmed his intent to proceed with a retrial of the man accused of raping Brittany Higgins after juror misconduct caused a mistrial.

A man in a suit wearing glasses has a serious facial expression.

Former Liberal Party staffer Bruce Lehrmann is accused of raping Brittany Higgins at Parliament House in 2019. He has pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

This story contains allegations of sexual assault and may be distressing to some readers.

The ACT director of public prosecutions has confirmed his intent to proceed with a retrial of the man accused of raping Brittany Higgins.

Bruce Lehrmann has pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent.

He remains on bail after juror misconduct derailed his first trial in the ACT Supreme Court, which ran for 12 days.

Chief Justice Lucy McCallum dismissed the jury after it was discovered a juror had conducted independent research on the case, despite repeated warnings not to.

Deliberations had been going for five days and jurors had not yet reached a verdict.

After declaring a mistrial, the chief justice proposed a new trial start date in February 2023.

The ACT's top prosecutor Shane Drumgold confirmed his intent to pursue the matter next year.

"I confirm that we have made the decision that the retrial of DPP v Lehrmann will commence 20 February 2023," he said in a statement.

Ms Higgins alleges Mr Lehrmann raped her inside the office of former Liberal defence industry minister Linda Reynolds, who they worked for as staffers.

He denies any sexual interaction took place.

If allegations set out in this story raise issues for you, or you or someone you know needs support - you can seek 24 hour help through 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit . In an emergency, call 000.

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Published 31 October 2022 6:05pm
Source: AAP


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