Roberts-Smith family supports son amid war crime allegations and legal battles
Consensus Summary
The Roberts-Smith family, particularly Len and Sue, have remained steadfast in their support for their eldest son Ben, a former SAS soldier and Victoria Cross recipient, despite his current legal troubles. In 2026, Ben faces five war crime charges, including murder, and was recently granted bail after spending 10 days in Silverwater Correctional Complex, with his parents posting a $250,000 surety. The family’s unwavering backing contrasts sharply with Ben’s fall from public hero status, as they have publicly defended him since allegations surfaced in 2021, including a defamation lawsuit against Nine newspapers. Sue Roberts-Smith’s 2025 email campaign against Andrew Hastie, who testified against Ben, further highlighted the family’s confrontational stance toward critics. Meanwhile, Ben’s younger brother Sam continues his career as an internationally acclaimed operatic baritone, offering a stark contrast to the family’s legal battles.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Len and Sue Roberts-Smith gifted their eldest son Ben an ornate sword presented to Len when he was promoted to major-general, which Ben initially declined due to its sentimental value.
- Ben Roberts-Smith was awarded the Victoria Cross and later charged with five counts of war crimes (including murder) in 2026.
- Roberts-Smith senior (Len) offered $250,000 as surety to secure Ben’s bail after he spent 10 days in Silverwater Correctional Complex.
- Sue Roberts-Smith publicly stated outside court in 2026, 'I love him,' in support of her son after his bail hearing.
- The Roberts-Smiths attended court regularly during Ben’s 14-week defamation trial against Nine, with only occasional absences.
- In 2021, the Roberts-Smiths released a statement calling their son’s defamation case 'unfair' and expressing pride in him as a 'father and son.'
- Sue Roberts-Smith emailed Coalition MPs in 2025 accusing Andrew Hastie (a former SAS captain and Liberal MP) of being 'not fit' to lead the party after he testified in Ben’s defamation trial.
- Andrew Hastie testified in the Federal Court that persistent SAS rumors claimed Ben Roberts-Smith kicked an Afghan prisoner off a cliff.
- Ben Roberts-Smith’s younger brother, Sam, is an operatic baritone who has performed with Deutsche Oper Berlin, Opera Australia, and other international companies.
- Ben Roberts-Smith’s bail hearing took place in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court (courtroom 5.2) on April 18, 2026.
Source Articles
A father’s sword and a mother’s love: The unwavering support of the Roberts-Smiths
Len and Sue Roberts-Smith have become a permanent fixture in Sydney courtrooms, supporting their son Ben as his fall from grace continues.
A father’s sword and a mother’s love: The unwavering support of the Roberts-Smiths
Len and Sue Roberts-Smith have become a permanent fixture in Sydney courtrooms, supporting their son Ben as his fall from grace continues.