Crime / Defence Force

Former NZ SAS soldier criticised in defamation judgement

07:38 am on 6 June 2023

Listen

A former New Zealand SAS trooper has been heavily criticised in the Ben Roberts-Smith defamation case judgement which was released yesterday.

Roberts-Smith, who won the Victoria Cross and the Medal for Gallantry for his actions in Afghanistan, had sued Australian newspapers who'd accused him of war crimes, including the murder of prisoners.

The court ruling found largely in favour with the newspapers.

The judgement mentions a former New Zealand SAS trooper turned Australian SAS soldier, referred to as "Person 35", who was a key witness in the case.

Journalist Jon Stephenson covered the trial and has been reading the judgment.

He spoke to Corin Dann.