Federal Court Justice Michael Lee has found that, "on the balance of probabilities", Bruce Lehrmann raped Brittany Higgins at Parliament House in 2019.

The judgement marks the conclusion of a year-long defamation trial brought against Network Ten and Journalist Lisa Wilkinson, over an interview aired with Brittany Higgins about her claims that she was sexually assaulted by Lehrmann.

Justice Lee delivered his 324-page judgment on the case at Sydney's federal court this afternoon, with Network Ten's truth defense found to be successful.

"I consider it more likely than not, in those early hours after a long night of conviviality and drinking and having successfully brought Ms Higgins back to a secluded place, Mr Lehrmann was hell-bent on having sex with a woman he: (a) found sexually attractive; (b) had been mutually passionately kissing and touching; (c) had encouraged to drink; and (d) knew had reduced inhibitions because she was very drunk," said Justice Lee.

"Having escaped the lion’s den, Mr Lehrmann made the mistake of going back for his hat," he said of Lehrmann's decision to launch a defamation trial against Network 10, after the criminal trial for the alleged rape in the ACT Supreme Court in 2022 collapsed due to juror misconduct.

Lehrmann, who has always maintained his innocence, left the court quickly following proceedings and made no comment to reporters.

In a statement Network 10 said the case was "first and foremost about truth and justice", asserting that the judgement was a "triumph for truth".

"Justice Lee's judgment is vindication for the courageous Brittany Higgins who gave a voice to women across the nation.

"Network 10 is considering Justice Lee's 324-page judgment. It is clear however that Australia's defamation laws remain highly restrictive.

"When put to the test, it was always our obligation to inform the public of these important social and political matters notwithstanding the challenges presented by these laws and today's judgment vindicates the telling of Brittany's story.

"Network 10 remains firmly committed to honest, fair and independent journalism; to holding those in power to account; to giving people a voice who wouldn't otherwise have one; and to always pursuing without fear or favour, journalism that is firmly in the public interest."

The judgement comes after the Network won a bid to reopen the case earlier this month, bringing forward fresh evidence from former Seven producer Taylor Auerbach, who claimed Seven reimbursed Lehrmann thousands of dollars for "illicit drugs and prostitutes" in its efforts to secure a tell-all interview.