Former Western Australian senator Linda Reynolds has won her defamation case against ex-staffer Brittany Higgins in the WA Supreme Court. Justice Paul Tottle ruled that Higgins made a series of defamatory social media posts against Reynolds, which were found to be untrue. Reynolds has been awarded $315,000 in damages plus $26,000 in interest. The court found that Higgins made at least 26 false claims during the dispute. The case has been described as costly and bitter, with Reynolds stating she had to fight a "huge and monstrous lie" that damaged her political career. Higgins has apologized for the hurt caused to Reynolds' feelings. Additionally, Higgins risks forfeiting her government payout, as the damages awarded are likely to be overshadowed by a future costs order that may require her to cover Reynolds' extensive legal fees.