National

AFP investigated over handling of Lehrmann rape case

By AAP Newswire

Apr 7, 2023

Bruce Lehrmann (file image) — A watchdog is investigating the AFP's handling of Bruce Lehrmann's rape case. -AAP Image

A national watchdog will examine whether Australian Federal Police officers attempted to pervert the course of justice in the rape case of Bruce Lehrmann.

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TheÂ Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity has opened an investigation into whether AFP members pressured Brittany Higgins not to proceed with a complaint.

The commission will also investigate how confidential information including the private diaries and text messages of Ms Higgins were leaked to the media despite not being tendered as evidence in court.

Ms Higgins alleged she was raped by Mr Lehrmann inside Parliament House in 2019 while they were both working for former Liberal minister Linda Reynolds.

Mr Lehrmann was charged in 2021 and went to trial last year. It was abandoned because of juror misconduct and there are no findings against him.

He has always maintained his innocence and is suing multiple media outlets for defamation.

The anti-corruption investigation was first reported by Nine Entertainment and News Corp Australia, and the watchdog has been contacted for comment.

A separate inquiry is investigating how the rape allegations were handled by prosecutors, police and a support service for victims.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press