Higgins case finally over

Never a word, of course about the impact on Bruce Lehrmann, and his bravery and dignity in dealing with the assaults on his reputation over the last few years and during the trial. Never one word from our media about the impact on his mental health.

It's very telling to look at the consequences Higgins' accusations have had for both these young people.

For Higgins they brought fame, fortune, and immense public sympathy:

• A $320,000 book contract.

• An undisclosed settlement from the Defence Minister for calling her a "lying cow".

• A position as a visiting fellow at the ANU's Global Institute for Women's Leadership, appointed by Julia Gillard.

• Heroic "rape victim" status in mainstream media, featured on the cover of women's magazines, given a standing ovation by the National Press Club.

• Journalists fighting over her story and winning awards for promoting her version of events.

• Current and previous prime ministers apologizing for her "terrible experiences."

• The immense power of the state brought to bear on the resulting court case, with top prosecutors and the ACT victim's support officer supporting the celebrity witness.

Meanwhile, Lehrmann has faced an endless ordeal:

• He's unemployed and unemployable. Lehrmann had moved onto a new job before being publicly named as the accused rapist but lost that job when a journalist informed his employer about the allegation.

• Constant exposure of his name and face ensure he is recognizable across the country.

• He faced a major challenge in finding pro bono legal representation for the ongoing legal battles and significant additional expenses therein.

• There were delays due to ongoing publicity, particularly after Lisa Wilkinson's intervention.

• The stress of dealing with an ACT jury trial, requiring a unanimous verdict, in one of the most woke parts of Australia.

• The ACT government introducing laws to try stop Higgins from being cross-examined in the retrial.

Lehrmann, smart, well-educated, once set for a successful career, has spent years in limbo, broke, isolated, with few friends and no prospects. He must feel enormous relief that the trial is at an end, but the ordeal, the public shame this young man must bear, is bound to continue.

I'm pleased to hear efforts are now being made to try to assist him re-establish himself. Contact me if you are in a position to help and would like to hear more.