ACT Director of Public Prosecutions Shane

ACT Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold on leave amid Bruce Lehrmann trial inquiry

The ACT’s Director of Public Prosecutions has gone on leave after a bruising cross-examination at an inquiry into the investigation and trial of former political staffer Bruce Lehrmann.

Shane Drumgold has been under pressure in questioning, during which he admitted he no longer suspected political interference in the prosecution of Lehrmann, and conceded he may have broken the law by reading Brittany Higgins’ confidential counselling notes.

In a statement to 9News, Drumgold’s office stressed the decision had come from the DPP himself.

DPP Shane Drumgold — Shane Drumgold has gone on leave during the inquiry into the trial of Bruce Lehrmann. (Rhett Wyman / SMH)

Drumgold's lawyer Mark Tedeschi told the inquiry police had a "bizarre approach" to whether Bruce Lehrmann (pictured) should have been charged in the first place. — A inquiry into the investigation and trial of Bruce Lehrmann is underway. (Alex Ellinghausen)

“The Director of Public Prosecutions has not been stood down. Mr Drumgold SC is taking leave from the office in order to focus on the Board of Inquiry,” the statement reads.

Lehrmann’s rape trial ended last year due to juror misconduct and a planned retrial was later abandoned over concerns about Higgins’ mental health.

Lehrmann maintains his innocence.

The inquiry into how police and prosecutors handled the case will resume hearings next week, with investigating officers expected to give evidence.