Bruce Lehrmann lodges professional misconduct complaint, claims DPP driven by 'political interests'

Bruce Lehrmann has made a formal complaint about the conduct of the ACT director of public prosecutions over the handling of his sexual assault trial.

Bruce Lehrmann (second left) lodged a formal complaint against prosecutor Shane Drumgold that alleged he was driven by "political interests". Source: AAP / MICK TSIKAS

Key Points

• Mr Lehrmann faced trial for the alleged rape of Ms Higgins in Parliament House.
• He has always maintained his innocence, saying no sexual interactions between the pair occurred.
• Mr Lehrmann's complaint was reportedly lodged in December.

This story contains allegations of rape and may be distressing to some readers.

The man accused of raping Brittany Higgins has claimed the ACT director of public prosecutions failed to give him a fair trial.

Bruce Lehrmann faced trial for the alleged rape of Ms Higgins in Parliament House before the proceedings were aborted due to juror misconduct.

Mr Lehrmann has always maintained his innocence, saying no sexual interactions between the pair occurred.

The Australian newspaper on Thursday reported the Liberal staffer lodged a formal complaint against prosecutor Shane Drumgold that alleged he was driven by "political interests".

An inquiry has been launched into how police and prosecutors handled the investigation and court proceedings. It will be headed by former Queensland solicitor-general Walter Sofronoff KC.

Mr Lehrmann's complaint was reportedly lodged in December and accused Mr Drumgold of professional misconduct for "pursuing the matter through the media".

"His public behaviour continues to smear my name and the presumption of innocence that is a cornerstone of our justice system and that demands him to uphold," the complaint said, according to the newspaper.

Mr Lehrmann also accused the director of being "bolstered by political interests".

Mr Drumgold has separately claimed police pressured him to abandon the trial, raising concerns about political and police conduct in the case.

But the police union brushed off the allegations and said Mr Drumgold's office had compromised the trial.

The board of inquiry will report to the ACT chief minister by 30 June.

If this story has raised any issues for you, there is help available at Lifeline on 13 11 14.

If you or someone you know wants to talk about sexual assault or harassment, family or domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.