Former SAS soldier Ben Roberts-Smith has resigned from his function as basic supervisor of Seven Queensland a day after dropping his battle felony defamation case.
An electronic mail, despatched to Seven West Media employees on Friday afternoon, confirmed he’s standing down from the function he’s held since 2015.
“Ben has been on leave whilst the case was running, and today has offered his resignation, which we have accepted,” Seven West managing director and chief govt officer James Warburton stated within the electronic mail.
“We thank Ben for his commitment to Seven and wish him all the best.”
Friday’s announcement comes at some point since a Federal Court decide dominated in opposition to Mr Roberts-Smith in a long-running defamation case.
Mr Roberts-Smith had alleged plenty of 2018 articles printed by Nine Entertainment newspapers — together with The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald — painted him as a battle felony.
But Federal Court Justice Anthony Besanko threw the case out on Thursday, discovering many of the allegations have been true.
In the wake of the ruling, the Australian War Memorial says it’s now contemplating including “additional content and context” alongside objects on show belonging to Ben Roberts-Smith.
AWM Chair Kim Beazley, in a press release, stated “the Memorial acknowledges the gravity of the decision … and its broader impact on all involved in the Australian community.”
A uniform and medals belonging to the Victoria Cross recipient — in addition to a big portray — are on show on the battle memorial in Canberra.
“We are considering carefully the additional content and context to be included in these displays,” stated Mr Beazley.
“The Memorial acknowledges Afghanistan veterans and their families who may be affected at this time.”
Meanwhile, it’s estimated Seven West proprietor Kerry Stokes has tipped in about $25m in aiding the 44-year-old in his authorized battle.
In a press release following the ruling, Mr Stokes stated it “does not accord with the man I know.”
“I know this will be particularly hard for Ben, who has always maintained his innocence.
“That his fellow soldiers have disagreed with each other, this outcome will be the source of additional grief.
“I haven’t had a chance to have a discussion with Ben as yet, but I will when he has had a chance to fully absorb the judgment.”
Mr Roberts-Smith held the deputy basic supervisor place at Seven Queensland earlier than turning into deputy supervisor in 2015 with the retirement of Neil Mooney.
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Source: www.perthnow.com.au
