Ben Roberts-Smith Provided with Eye Masks and Additional Food During Custody
According to prison sources, former SAS soldier Ben Roberts-Smith was given eye masks to assist with sleep and extra food while incarcerated. The 47-year-old, who faces five war crime murder charges, received these items during his ten-day stay at Silverwater Correctional Centre in western Sydney. Insiders report he was a model prisoner who "asked for nothing" and conducted himself with dignity.
Model Behaviour and Prisoner Support
A source revealed to news.com.au that Roberts-Smith spent much of his time exercising, and other inmates cheered when they saw him through the prison wires. "He wasn't keen on the lights at night, even put clothing over his head, so a couple of the guys even offered him eye masks," the source explained. They emphasised this was not due to special treatment but because he was "treated with respect." The source dismissed concerns about preferential treatment as "quite ridiculous."
Media Frenzy and Bail Conditions
Following his release on bail last Friday, Roberts-Smith's partner, Sarah Matulin, reportedly drove for hours to evade media while travelling from Sydney to Brisbane. A close friend commented, "This really is becoming a spectacle, even more than he could have anticipated. How anyone thinks he can get a fair trial with all this media mobbing is beyond me."
Roberts-Smith criticised the police actions as "sensational" during his first public address since being charged. Speaking at a press conference on Queensland's Gold Coast, he stated, "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." He described his arrest as an "unnecessary spectacle" and vowed to clear his name in court.
Legal Proceedings and Allegations
Local Court Judge Greg Grogin granted bail on Friday, noting Roberts-Smith could spend "years and years" in custody if denied. Strict bail conditions include travel restrictions within Queensland, surrender of his passport, limited use of one phone and one laptop, and a ban on contacting prosecution witnesses. A $250,000 surety was required, reportedly provided by his father, Len, a former judge.
Roberts-Smith is accused under the Commonwealth Criminal Code of shooting an unarmed Afghan, murdering another with an SAS comrade, and ordering three executions during his service in Afghanistan. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. He has consistently denied involvement in unlawful killings.
Background and Support
His arrest follows nearly three years after losing a defamation case against Nine newspapers, which published reports in 2018 accusing him of war crimes. The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions will handle the case, with his defence funded by the Afghanistan Inquiry Legal Assistance Scheme.
Roberts-Smith thanked Ms Matulin, his 15-year-old twin daughters, his parents, and Ms Matulin's family for their "unwavering" support. He is due to face court again on June 5.
