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This article contains references to rape.
Disgraced former political staffer Bruce Lehrmann has lost his bid to overturn a court finding that he probably raped his colleague Brittany Higgins in Parliament House.
The 30-year-old had sued Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson for defamation over an interview with Higgins on The Project in 2021.
Justice Michael Lee found Higgins’ claims Lehrmann had raped her inside Parliament House two years earlier were established on the balance of probabilities.
In his headline-grabbing decision in April 2024, Lee quipped: “Having escaped the lions’ den, Lehrmann made the mistake of going back for his hat.”
Following an extensive period of deliberation, the Full Court of the Federal Court reached a decision on Wednesday, ultimately rejecting his appeal.
“The court has found the primary judge did not err in any of the ways alleged by Mr Lehrmann,” Justice Michael Wigney said.
Lehrmann had argued Lee erred in finding Ten and Wilkinson had legally justified the imputation of rape.
Lehrmann did not appear in court for the decision and was instead represented by his lawyer Zali Burrows.
Speaking outside court, Burrows said her client would seek advice on applying for special leave to appeal in the High Court.
Lehrmann denies he sexually assaulted Higgins and a criminal case against him in 2022 was abandoned without any findings against him.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
