BREAKING: David Sharaz, husband of Brittany Higgins, has been declared bankrupt in the Federal Court in Perth. This urgent development comes just days after his wife was similarly declared bankrupt following a tumultuous legal battle with her former boss, Linda Reynolds, highlighting the fallout from their high-profile court cases.
The court’s decision today marks a significant turn in the couple’s ongoing struggles. Registrar Camille Goucke confirmed the ruling, stating, “I am satisfied the debtor committed [the] act of bankruptcy.” Sharaz has been ordered to pay $85,000, further complicating their financial woes.
This ruling follows Reynolds’ victory in a defamation case against Higgins, where she was awarded $315,000 in damages plus interest after the Western Australia Supreme Court found Higgins’ social media posts defamatory. Reynolds, who launched the legal action after alleging damage to her reputation, is now pursuing Higgins for additional damages, estimated to exceed $1 million.
In a statement, Reynolds remarked, “I do not see my former staffer’s bankruptcy outcome as a victory. It is the inevitable consequence of a failure by Ms. Higgins to pay the damages she was ordered to pay by the court.” This reflects the intense legal and personal battles both individuals have faced in the wake of sexual assault allegations and subsequent trials.
Brittany Higgins has accused former colleague Bruce Lehrmann of raping her in Reynolds’ ministerial suite in 2019. Lehrmann has consistently maintained his innocence and has not been criminally liable, with a previous trial aborted due to juror misconduct. Recently, a Federal Court judge ruled he had raped Higgins on the balance of probabilities, a decision Lehrmann is appealing to the High Court.
Earlier this month, Higgins expressed relief following the court’s decision in her favor during a civil case, stating, “Finally, it feels like I can breathe again.” This emotional toll is compounded by the financial implications of her bankruptcy and the ongoing legal battles with Reynolds.
Both Sharaz and Higgins declined to comment on their respective rulings when contacted. As this situation develops, the repercussions for their personal and professional lives will be closely monitored.
As the public continues to follow this unfolding drama, the intersection of legal battles and personal turmoil raises critical questions about the lasting impacts of such high-profile cases. Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent situation and its implications for those involved.
