Thread by @LaurenTomasi

The Bruce Lehrmann trial is nearing the end. Today is day 11. The prosecution has now rested their case and it’s over to the defence. We are likely to hear closing statements today. As usual, I’ll have the updates here ⬇️ @9NewsAUS

The Defence for Bruce Lehrmann has not called a single witness. Defence Barrister Steve Whybrow has tendered a document and told the court "that is the case of the accused". Closing arguments will now begin. @9NewsAUS

The prosecution has begun their closing arguments.

DPP: This case is not about political movements. It’s not about political parties.
This case is not about whether Parliament House as a work place responded appropriately...
It’s not about the appropriateness of media interviews or book deals

DPP puts to the jury: How does something that happened 2 years later like an interview or a book deal have any possible relevance?

The Prosecution submits Ms Higgins was incapable of giving her consent freely and voluntarily as she was not conscious.

DPP: Is it likely that the accused would leave work… and leave both his apartment keys and his pass?
Is it likely that in the closing days of his employment, that he would need to go back to put some tabs on some question times brief at 1.40am?

DPP: What is clear, Members of the jury, is that there is strong political motivations in this case.

Prosecution speaks to political power in this case: "I’m not going to tell you what to make of the evidence of the politically powerful people who gave evidence…. Suffice to say there were clearly strong political forces at play."

"This is a young lady in the middle of political forces and we say she is right to be scared."

DPP: Was the accused attracted to the complainant? We know the answer is yes

"The accused took the complainant (Higgins) to Parliament House because it was the most convenient place to get the very drunk and very vulnerable Ms Higgins alone"

The prosecution is pointing out to the jury the various reasons Bruce Lehrmann gave for attendeding Parliament, including to "pick up his keys", to "do some work" and to "drink some whiskey"

Courtroom two at Canberra's Supreme court is nearing full. The gallery has not been this busy before. Quite a few members of public watching on.

After a short break, we are back and the DPP is speaking to Ms Higgins evidence of the alleged rape. "We submit that that was a vivid, compelling description of what was happening to her."

On Higgins' evidence "She was genuine, she was upfront, she was honest"... "Ms Higgins didn't embellish her account of rape at all."

The DPP is concluding their closing statement. "So that's a summary of the evidence. This trial has come with all the political and court room drama… Wade through all of that debris to find the essence of the case."

"We submit she did not falter.
Not a single inconsistency.
If this is a fabrication then she is quite the actor."

That is it from the Director of Public Prosecutions, Shane Drumgold. At 2pm, the Defence will give their closing statement.

Defence Barrister Steve Whybrow is beginning his closing statement.

"It’s not about whether she made this up…
Mr Lehrmann has no onus to prove anything. We are here for presumption of innocence."

"A close look at her evidence makes this case totally untenable, in my submission." - Steve Whybrow

On Lehrmann's interview with police: He sat down. He answered all the questions to police… he did his best giving answers.

"The Defence is calling no witnesses because it didn’t happen...
You can probably sum up this case in the kindest way to Ms Higgins... as just say, she doesn't know what happened"

"You might consider they’re talking points… when the going gets tough” - Whybrow on Ms Higgins saying "I'm traumatised" & "you haven't been through trauma"

On Lehrmann leaving Parliament - "How is he to know Ms higgins hasn’t already left?
Why is it the only reasonable ration inference that he knows she’s in the ministers suite passed out asleep."

Whybrow is putting to the jury that Ms Higgins made up the allegations to protect her job.
"Is there a reasonable possibility this complaint is being made because her dream job, is from her perspective, in jeopardy?"

Whybrow has told the court the case cannot be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
"It rationally and logically does go to whether you can convict this man on something she said he did… She’s someone who is unreliable. Wo says things to suit her."

The Defence will conclude closing statements tomorrow morning, before the Chief Justice addresses the jury.
I'll be back at 10am.