Name: Bruce Lehrmann loses appeal in Brittany Higgins rape case
Uploaded: 2025-12-03T06:11:36.508Z
Duration: 2 min
Description: Bruce Lehrmann’s appeal case has been dismissed after the Federal Court upheld findings that he knew Brittany Higgins did not consent but continued anyway. The court ruled Network 10’s broadcast and Higgins’ interview were substantially true, ordering Lehrmann to pay the network’s legal costs.

Bruce Lehrmann’s appeal case has been dismissed after the Federal Court upheld findings that he knew Brittany Higgins did not consent but continued anyway. The court ruled Network 10’s broadcast and Higgins’ interview were substantially true, ordering Lehrmann to pay the network’s legal costs.

Council of the City of Sydney

Bruce Lehrmann's case was dismissed after the full court of appeal upheld findings that he was aware Brittany Higgins did not consent to sexual activity but proceeded regardless. The court also found that Network 10's broadcast and Brittany Higgins' interview were substantially true, leading to Lehrmann being ordered to pay the network's legal costs. 

Lehrmann maintains that no sexual intercourse occurred in the Parliament House ministerial office in March 2019. His legal team has expressed concern about his ability to pay the costs, which are expected to be substantial, and hopes for financial support from others.

Bruce Lehrmann loses appeal in Brittany Higgins rape case

First an aborted criminal trial, then a defamation case which failed. Justice Michael Lee said Bruce Lerriman escaped the lion's den but went back for his hat. The former Liberal staffer returned to court again, perhaps for his shoes, in a fight to clear his name. But he has not walked out of court vindicated. Bruce is really overwhelmed by the decision and I'm really concerned for him. Today's findings worse than the original judgement that he did rape Brittany Higgins. It found him to be reckless in not seeking consent. The full court of appeal went one further. Mr Lehman did turn his mind to whether Ms Higgins consented to sex, was aware that she was not consenting, but proceeded nonetheless. Lerriman maintains that no sexual intercourse occurred in a Parliament House ministerial office in March 2019. Pope Bruce is seen as an inspiration to those who say they've been wrongly accused and it's not the end of it in respect of his pursuit for justice. The court found Network 10's broadcast on the project and Brittany's interview with Lisa Wilkinson was substantially true. She is utterly delighted by the outcome. She's so grateful to the court for its diligence and efficiency in delivering this judgement in an extremely complicated matter. Network 10 called the judgement a triumph for truth and vindication for the courageous Brittany Higgins. The court ordered Lerriman pay Network 10's legal costs. When asked about his ability to pay, Lerriman's lawyer Zali Burrows says she hopes he'll receive financial backing from others. Well we're hoping there will be supporters that will want to support Bruce. The costs are expected to be many hundreds of thousands of dollars on top of the two million he has been ordered to pay. Sarah Naven, 10 News.

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