Ben Roberts-Smith, the Victoria Cross recipient facing war crimes allegations, reported to a New South Wales police station for the first time on Monday morning under strict bail conditions. He arrived wearing a prominent dark grey ‘Black Sheep’ cap produced by Goorin Brothers, typically priced around $140, paired with a grey sleeveless ‘Project Rock’ gym top from Dwayne Johnson’s Under Armour line.
First Bail Reporting Appearance
Three days after his release from custody, Roberts-Smith must check in with police three times weekly. His partner, Sarah Matulin, dropped him off nearby in a silver Audi before picking him up shortly after. He told reporters he planned to head to the gym afterward.
Responses to Reporters and Supporters
When asked how he felt about the bail process, the 47-year-old replied, ‘It’s got to be done mate… just another day.’ Supporters shouted encouragement from a nearby café, including one who called out, ‘Good on ya Ben, legend.’ Roberts-Smith waved and gave a thumbs-up in response.
Recent Public Statement on Charges
The appearance followed a brief press conference on Queensland’s Gold Coast on Sunday, where Roberts-Smith criticized his April 7 arrest at Sydney Domestic Airport as a ‘deliberate sensational arrest’ and ‘unnecessary spectacle’ that affected his family, especially his children.
He stated, ‘I understand this is an unprecedented case and the public interest is huge… but I’d ask that the media please allow my family their privacy at this time, particularly my children.’
Roberts-Smith affirmed, ‘I understand this journey will be long, I understand this journey will be difficult, but I can promise everybody that I have never ran from a fight in my life. I will never give up and I will always be in the fight.’
He categorically denied the allegations, saying, ‘As I’ve always maintained, I categorically deny all of these allegations, and while I would have preferred these charges not be brought, I will be taking this opportunity to finally clear my name.’
Expressing pride in his Afghan service, he added, ‘I’m proud of my service in Afghanistan. While I was there, I always acted within my values, within my training, and within the rules of engagement.’ He paid tribute to comrades who made the ‘ultimate sacrifice’ and thanked Matulin, his 15-year-old twin daughters, parents, her family, and ‘millions of Australians’ for their support.
Roberts-Smith declined questions and left hand-in-hand with Matulin.
Strict Bail Conditions
Local Court Judge Greg Grogin granted bail on Friday, noting Roberts-Smith could face ‘years and years’ in custody otherwise. Conditions include:
- No travel outside Queensland except for legal or medical reasons
- Surrender of passport
- Limited to one phone and one laptop, details provided to police
- No contact with prosecution witnesses
- $250,000 surety, reportedly offered by his father, former judge Len Roberts-Smith
He faces court again on June 5.
War Crimes Allegations
Roberts-Smith faces charges under the Commonwealth Criminal Code for allegedly shooting an unarmed Afghan, murdering another with an SAS comrade, and ordering the execution of three others between 2009 and 2012. Each charge carries a potential life sentence.
The case follows his 2023 defamation loss against newspapers over 2018 war crime reports. Prosecutors from the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions will lead, with defense funded by the Afghanistan Inquiry Legal Assistance Scheme. He maintains innocence in all unlawful killings.
