Brittany Higgins’ parents tell court ‘vivacious’ daughter became ‘withdrawn’ after alleged rape

Kelly Higgins told the Bruce Lehrmann defamation trial her daughter became ‘extremely detached’ in late March and early April 2019. Photograph: Bianca de Marchi/AAP

Brittany Higgins’ parents have given emotional testimony at the Bruce Lehrmann defamation trial about how their “vivacious” daughter dramatically changed and became “withdrawn” and unrecognisable after she was allegedly raped.

The court also heard from two federal agents who took Higgins’ statement on 1 April 2019 who said Higgins gave a detailed account of the alleged assault, including that it was “vaginal penile sex” and there was the “smell of sex” when she woke up.