Ben Roberts-Smith, the decorated Victoria Cross recipient, has reported to police for the first time under his stringent bail conditions, making a notable appearance in a hat emblazoned with the words 'Black Sheep'. This occurred just three days after his release from custody, as he navigates the legal proceedings surrounding allegations of war crimes during his service in Afghanistan.
Police Reporting Under Strict Bail Terms
Roberts-Smith, 47, is required to report to police three times a week as part of his bail conditions, following charges related to the murders of five Afghans between 2009 and 2012 while serving with the Special Air Service. On Monday morning, he was spotted outside an undisclosed New South Wales police station, where he spent a few minutes inside before returning to a silver Audi driven by his partner, Sarah Matulin.
Public Appearance and Support
When approached by reporters, Roberts-Smith responded to questions about reporting to police with, 'It's got to be done mate... just another day.' He also acknowledged supporters who shouted from a nearby café, with one man yelling, 'Good on ya Ben, legend,' as Roberts-Smith waved and gave a thumbs-up.
His attire included a distinctive dark grey hat from Goorin Brothers, known as the 'Black Sheep Trucker Cap', which typically retails for about $140. He paired it with a grey sleeveless 'Project Rock' gym top from Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's collaboration with Under Armour. Roberts-Smith declined to comment on whether he would attend Anzac Day services.
Criticism of Police Actions
This police report comes less than 24 hours after Roberts-Smith publicly criticized the actions of police as 'sensational' in his first address since being charged. Speaking at a brief press conference on Queensland's Gold Coast on Sunday afternoon, he expressed concern over the impact on his family, particularly his children, due to the high-profile nature of his arrest at Sydney Domestic Airport on April 7.
'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, who have already unfortunately suffered through a deliberate sensational arrest that was made last week,' Roberts-Smith stated. He described the arrest as 'an unnecessary spectacle' and vowed to fight the charges, saying, 'I have never ran from a fight in my life. I will never give up and I will always be in the fight.'
Denial of Allegations and Future Plans
Roberts-Smith categorically denied all allegations, asserting his intention to clear his name in court. '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,' he said. He expressed pride in his service in Afghanistan, claiming he always acted within his values, training, and rules of engagement.
He also thanked his partner, Sarah Matulin, his 15-year-old twin daughters, his parents, and supporters for their unwavering backing, noting it was 'extremely humbling'. After his statement, he walked off hand-in-hand with Ms Matulin, who had been by his side during the address.
Bail Conditions and Legal Background
Roberts-Smith was granted bail on Friday by Local Court Judge Greg Grogin, who noted the former soldier could face 'years and years' in custody if bail were refused. The strict conditions include restrictions on travel outside Queensland except for legal or medical appointments, surrender of his passport, and limited use of one phone and one laptop, with details provided to police. He is also banned from contacting any prosecution witness directly or indirectly.
A $250,000 surety was demanded by the court, which would be forfeited if Roberts-Smith fails to attend court or breaches bail. It is understood his father, Len, a former judge, offered to provide this surety. Roberts-Smith is due to face court again on June 5.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Roberts-Smith is accused under the Commonwealth Criminal Code of shooting dead an unarmed Afghan, murdering another with an SAS comrade, and ordering the execution of three more. His arrest follows nearly three years after he lost a defamation action against Nine newspapers, which published reports in 2018 accusing him of war crimes.
The case will be prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, with his defence funded by the Afghanistan Inquiry Legal Assistance Scheme. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, though Roberts-Smith has consistently denied involvement in any unlawful killings.
