Brittany Higgins' lead prosecutor in Bruce Lehrmann rape trial faces calls to ... trends now
The lead prosecutor on Bruce Lehrmann's rape trial is facing calls to resign over his decision to bring charges against the former Liberal party adviser - despite senior police claiming there was insufficient evidence to secure a conviction.
Leading Canberra lawyer Peter Woodhouse, the managing partner of Aulich Lawyers, accused ACT Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold SC on Tuesday of pursuing charges related to the alleged rape of Brittany Higgins for 'media attention'.
Mr Lehrmann has continuously and strenuously denied the allegations he raped Ms Higgins in Parliament House in 2019.
His first sexual assault trial was thrown out in October due to juror misconduct and a proposed second trial was aborted last week due to concerns for Ms Higgins' health.
Mr Woodhouse called for Mr Drumgold's resignation and urged the ACT's Integrity Commission to investigate after media company News Corp obtained diary entries from the most senior police officer on the case.
The diary entries, from ACT Police Manager of Criminal Investigations Detective Superintendent Scott Moller, expressed reservations about prosecuting Mr Lehrmann and concerns for Ms Higgins' mental health.
Mr Woodhouse told The Australian the commission 'needs to explore whether Mr Drumgold let his own thirst for media attention or own political affiliations cloud what is supposed to be his independent judgment in such matters'.
Peter Woodhouse, the managing partner of Aulich lawyers, has accused ACT Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold SC (pictured on Friday) of pursuing the case for 'media attention' or because of his own 'political affiliations'
Mr Woodhouse's comments come as claims of political influence were revealed in a diary entry from June 2021, where Det Supt Moller wrote about a conversation he had with his boss, ACT Deputy Chief Police Officer (DCPO) Michael Chew.
'DCPO stated "if it was my choice I wouldn't proceed. But it's not my choice. There is too much political interference",' Det Supt Moller wrote.
'I said: "That's disappointing given I think there is insufficient evidence".'
On Friday, Mr Drumgold announced the case would no longer be pursued over concerns it would negatively impact Ms Higgin's mental health.
Mr Lehrmann had been due to face a retrial in February, after the first trial was abandoned due to juror misconduct
