This is how disgrace unfolds.
It begins with criminal charges against a person being withdrawn, buttressing from supporters, becoming a cause celebre – and launching a jaunty legal application to have one’s reputation vindicated. “Let’s light some fires,” such a person might say.
Bruce Lehrmann departs court on Monday after Justice Michael Lee found he raped Brittany Higgins.Credit: Wolter Peeters
That was how Bruce Lehrmann – former Liberal staffer and now legal student – began his defamation action against Network Ten and its star journalist Lisa Wilkinson.
It then moves to derision for one’s accusers, copious note-taking with a silver pen in a navy blue Moleskine notebook, guffaws when the evidence does not go their way.
That was how Lehrmann watched his former colleague, Brittany Higgins, and Wilkinson give their evidence at the trial.
But then it falters with needless lies, self-destructive partying and frenzied media interest.
That was how Lehrmann played his evidence during the trial and his life after his name became notorious.
The disgrace is then complete when a judge concludes the person who earnestly took the stand five months ago to defend his honour is, in fact, a rapist – and even if he were not, his behaviour has been so disgraceful that he would only be entitled to $20,000 in damages.
The omnishambles that cast nobody in glory
6
1
15.04.2024
This is how disgrace unfolds.
It begins with criminal charges against a person being withdrawn, buttressing from supporters, becoming a cause celebre – and launching a jaunty legal application to have one’s reputation vindicated. “Let’s light some fires,” such a person might say.
Bruce Lehrmann departs court on Monday........
© The Sydney Morning Herald
visit website
login
who are we?
contact us
qosheapp
Toi Staff
Gideon Levy
Belen Fernandez
Andrew Mitrovica
Mort Laitner
Rami G Khouri
Ali Fathollah-Nejad
Nikkei Editorial
