Key Evidence Delayed in Defamation Case

Concerns have emerged regarding the ability of Fiona Brown, the former chief of staff to Senator Linda Reynolds, to testify in a defamation trial involving Brittany Higgins. Reynolds is suing Higgins over social media posts that she claims contain falsehoods damaging to her reputation. The trial has drawn attention due to the sensitive nature of the allegations, which stem from an incident in March 2019 when Higgins alleges she was raped in Reynolds' office. On Friday, Brown's legal team submitted her confidential psychiatric report and medical certificate to a Perth court, raising questions about her fitness to testify. Higgins' lawyer, Rachael Young, expressed her intention to avoid causing Brown distress by potentially not calling her to the stand. Instead, the court may consider accepting alternative evidence, including Brown's redacted affidavit and transcripts from previous legal proceedings involving Bruce Lehrmann, who faced charges related to Higgins' allegations. Reynolds' lawyer, Martin Bennett, proposed that Higgins should take the witness stand sooner than scheduled, suggesting that starting her testimony next week could facilitate the trial's progress. Justice Paul Tottle acknowledged the logistical challenges of this suggestion, as the court prepares for a series of witnesses, including medical professionals and political figures, in the coming days. The trial continues to unfold, with significant implications for all parties involved, as the court navigates the complexities of the evidence and the emotional toll on witnesses.