The conduct of the Australian Federal Police will be investigated to determine whether officers perverted the course of justice in the case of Brittany Higgins’ alleged sexual assault.
Fellow Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann was charged with one count of sexual intercourse without consent. He pleaded not guilty and has always maintained his innocence.
The charges were later dropped by the DPP altogether due to concerns about Higgins’ mental health.
Now the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity (ACLEI) is investigating whether information from the AFP investigation was leaked to the media.
“Information was referred to ACLEI relating to the AFP investigation of and recent criminal proceedings against Mr Lehrmann in December 2022,” the ACLEI confirmed in a statement to 9News.com.au.
“ACLEI has also received information about alleged unauthorised disclosures to the media.
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“ACLEI confirms it is investigating these matters. To provide any further comment at this time may prejudice any future investigations or the rights of individuals involved.”
According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, sensitive information such as Higgins’ private diaries, text messages, and notes from psychologist sessions were leaked to the media.
In an email reportedly sighted by the publication, ACLEI executive director of operations Peter Ratcliffe said the watchdog is also probing whether “AFP members attempted to pervert the course of justice by pressuring Ms Brittany Higgins not to proceed with the matter”.
Some of Higgins’ sensitive material gathered by police during the investigation were reported on in the media despite not being tendered as evidence to court.
9News.com.au has contacted the AFP for comment.
