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Evidence mix-up delays trial of man accused of raping Brittany Higgins

The case against the man charged with raping Brittany Higgins has been delayed because his lawyer received the wrong brief of evidence.

Oct 14, 2021, updated Oct 14, 2021
Former political staffer Brittany Higgins speaks to the media as she  leaves the Commonwealth Parliamentary Offices after meeting with Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Sydney. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)

Former political staffer Brittany Higgins speaks to the media as she leaves the Commonwealth Parliamentary Offices after meeting with Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Sydney. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)

Bruce Lehrmann’s barrister told ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday he initially received a brief containing information to which he should not have access.

John Korn said another brief had been couriered to him, but it would take two weeks to go though and requested an adjournment.

Prosecutors indicated they were ready to commit the case to trial but did not oppose the adjournment.

Korn indicated there were issues around COVID-19 travel restrictions.

“If he (Lehrmann) comes to NSW, he has to quarantine for a fortnight,” he said.

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Lehrmann appeared in court via a phone link charged with sexual intercourse without consent at Parliament House in March 2019.

When asked by magistrate Beth Campbell if he could hear the proceedings, the 26-year-old replied: “I can, Your Honour”.

The court was previously told Lehrmann, who was in Queensland, had instructed his defence to enter a plea of not guilty.

His case is due to return to court on November 5.

Ms Higgins went public in February alleging a then-unnamed colleague raped her in the office of minister Linda Reynolds.

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