Bruce Lehrmann’s alleged rape of Brittany Higgins has come to a shocking conclusion, with the jury being fired when a juror brought a research paper on sexual assault into the jury room.
On what should have been the seventh day of the jury’s deliberations, Chief Justice Lucy McCallum informed the ACT Supreme Court jury on Thursday morning: ‘It has come to my attention that one of you has conducted research on case-related issues, and that material has improperly entered the jury room.
“I have heard an explanation, and it is possible that no harm has been done, but I cannot take that risk.
“I have dismissed that juror, and I must dismiss you all as well.”
Please accept my sincere appreciation for the hard effort you’ve put into this case.
“With these statements, you are released and free to depart.”
The shocking development raises the possibility that the case may be retried.
Brittany Higgins appeared in court for the first time since she testified.
Bruce Lehrmann entered a not-guilty plea to a single count of sexual contact without consent.