Father's Five Words After Arrest for Murder of Convicted Rapist Intruder
Ben Batterham has revealed the chilling moment he discovered a convicted rapist emerging from his seven-month-old daughter's bedroom, and the shocking legal aftermath that saw him charged with murder. The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of March 26, 2016, in Hamilton, Australia, resulted in a tragic death and a protracted legal battle that questioned the boundaries of self-defense.
The Terrifying Home Invasion
Ben Batterham was celebrating his thirty-third birthday at home with a friend when an intruder, Ricky Slater, forcibly entered the property around 3:20 AM. Slater, who had been released from prison just three months earlier, was high on drugs and armed with three knives. He had a previous conviction for rape, having served at least four years for assaulting a teenage girl in 2009.
Fortunately, Ben's fiancée, Monique Cameron, and their infant daughter were not present, having stayed next door at his parents' house. As Slater emerged from the nursery, carrying Monique's handbag, Ben spotted him. Recalling the confrontation, Ben, then an apprentice chef, described Slater as a "very big bloke" and admitted, "It was more than a shock. I was quite fearful for my daughter, and Monique, and at the time myself."
The Chase and Violent Struggle
Ben immediately pursued Slater through several streets, calling the police while attempting a citizen's arrest. He eventually tackled Slater to the ground, leading to a violent struggle. Ben reported that the fight involved "a few headbuts, a few bites, he tried to snap my thumb back towards my wrist. Quite rough." He added, "I was yelling. I did strike him a few times. I didn't have him in a chokehold."
When police arrived, Ben allegedly told them, "Give me two minutes with him," followed by, "I'll kill the dog." However, officers quickly realized Slater was unresponsive. Paramedics revived him after a cardiac arrest, but he suffered two more in hospital and died the following day.
Wrongful Murder Charge and Trial
Ben was arrested and charged with murder, despite pleading with officers, "Look, I didn't do it." He spent two months in prison before being granted bail, losing his job, home, and sense of normality. Reflecting on the charge, he said, "I would say when I was sitting on the truck, on the way to prison, like, this is really happening."
His trial in November 2019 revealed that Slater's death resulted from high levels of methamphetamine in his system and a pre-existing heart condition exacerbated by years of drug abuse. Medical experts testified that Ben's actions did not cause the death. The jury, unaware of Slater's criminal history, found Ben not guilty, with Justice Fagan stating he should never have been charged.
Aftermath and Civil Settlement
Ben filed a civil claim against the State of New South Wales for wrongful prosecution, reaching a settlement. However, the ordeal left lasting scars. Diagnosed with PTSD, his relationship with Monique broke down. He described the situation as tragic for both himself, labeled a criminal, and for Slater, who lost his life.
When asked about regrets, Ben concluded, "No — I've done what any father would have done." He defended his actions, saying, "You could say my biggest mistake was running out the door. But was that a mistake at the time? Someone breaks into your home, that's your castle, that's your home, people should always defend their home, no matter what."
