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Ben Roberts-Smith Remains in Custody After Declining Bail on War Crimes Charges
Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia's most decorated soldier, will stay in jail for at least a week following his war crimes charges. His legal team did not apply for bail during a Wednesday hearing in Sydney. The case is set for a bail review on April 17.
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Ben Roberts-Smith, a former SAS soldier and Victoria Cross recipient, faces war crimes charges in Australia.
He was charged on Tuesday and appeared in court the following day. Roberts-Smith has denied any wrongdoing. His legal representatives declined to apply for immediate bail during the Wednesday hearing at Downing Centre local court in Sydney.
As a result, he remains in custody at Silverwater jail. The court scheduled a bail review hearing for April 17.
received the Victoria Cross for actions in Afghanistan in 2011.
The charges relate to alleged war crimes during his service with the Special Air Service Regiment. No further details on the specific allegations were provided in the hearing. Australia's military has faced multiple investigations into conduct in Afghanistan.
Roberts-Smith's case draws attention due to his high-profile status as the nation's most decorated living soldier. He has consistently maintained his innocence throughout prior legal proceedings.
The war crimes charges stem from a broader federal police investigation into Australian forces' actions overseas.
Roberts-Smith's detention follows his initial charging on April 7, 2026. The next court date will address potential bail conditions.
