Prosecutor confirms intent to proceed with Bruce Lehrmann retrial
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.
READ MORE: Family mourns 'gorgeous angel' killed in Seoul crush
The ACT's top prosecutor says he will pursue a retrial of Bruce Lehrmann. Alex Ellinghausen
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.
READ MORE: 'Uncontested' Melissa Caddick assets to be sold
Former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins. AAP/Mick Tsikas
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.
Higgins alleges 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.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
