21:59 EDT, 6 June 2021
Australia s most decorated soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, was the victim of jealous former comrades who made false allegations of war crimes against him, his barrister has told the Federal Court.
Bruce McClintock SC said his client s defamation case against Nine newspapers was about courage, devotion to duty self-sacrifice and skill in soldiering on the one hand. On the other hand, it s a case about dishonest journalism, corrosive jealousy, cowardice and lies, he told the Sydney courtroom. It s also about how a man with a deservedly high reputation for courage, skill and decency. had that reputation destroyed by bitter people jealous of his courage and success as a solider. aided by prejudiced journalists.