Key Points
- The trial for the man accused of raping Brittany Higgins has been set for 4 October
- Lisa Wilkison's Logies speech caused the hearing to be delayed
This article contains references to rape.
The trial for the man accused of raping former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins has been set for 4 October after a controversial Logies speech caused the hearing to be postponed.
Bruce Lehrmann was due to stand trial on 27 June for a charge of sexual intercourse without consent, however, a temporary stay was granted on Tuesday after comments by TV host Lisa Wilkinson reignited publicity surrounding the case.
Defence barrister Steve Whybrow pushed for the trial to begin at the start of 2023, telling the ACT Supreme Court the fallout from Wilkinson's Logies speech would still impact a jury in October.
But Chief Justice Lucy McCallum said a three-month stay in the case would allow for any concerns to be ameliorated.
"A period of three months is a significant period where prejudice issues fade in the mind of potential jurors," she told the court.
Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold agreed with the revised timeline, saying the 102-day delay was consistent with other rulings due to publicity surrounding cases.
He said he had sought written undertakings from Network Ten and Wilkinson about public commentary on the allegations, and they appeared to be forthcoming.
He has also contacted the Australian Radio Network to seek a similar undertaking.
Lisa Wilkinson won this year's Logie for Most Outstanding News Coverage or Public Affairs Report for an interview she did with Brittany Higgins for The Project. Source: AAP / REGI VARGHESE
Any further applications would need to be filed by the close of business on Friday.
Five potential books citing the case have also raised concerns about further publicity.
Mr Drumgold will contact the authors, including journalists Samantha Maiden, Niki Savva and Peter van Onselen, to ensure the books do not include commentary about the complainant. If so, publication of the works could be postponed until the trial is held.
Discussions around workplace culture at Parliament House might also be problematic, Chief Justice McCallum said.
ACT director of public prosecutions (DPP) Shane Drumgold says the 102-day delay is consistent with other rulings due to publicity surrounding cases. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas
"It would be a pretty thin book if you took out everything that is sub judice, that is, everything that is before this court."
An injunction on publications may be sought in the event the authors do not cooperate with prosecutors.
The defence pushed for the trial to be listed as running for six weeks, but Chief Justice McCallum said only four weeks would be needed.
"I've conducted complex murder trials in less than that," she said.
If you or someone you know is impacted by rape or sexual assault, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit . In an emergency, call 000.
