The Latest Breaking News from Nicholas Owens SC

Lawyer who took down Ben Roberts-Smith made a judge

A lawyer who proved Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith committed war crimes is one of eight new appointments to the Federal Court.

AAP · Dec 6, 2024

State challenges compo for Sydney light rail disruption

Findings that businesses affected by extended construction of the Sydney light rail should be compensated were wrong, lawyers for the NSW government have said.

AAP · Jul 1, 2024

Higgins raises question about 'info' she was drugged before alleged rape

Police officer raised issue during investigation, court told.

The Canberra Times · Apr 9, 2024

Ben Roberts-Smith’s defamation trial laid bare the brutal reality of Australia’s decades-long war in Afghanistan – now the ex-soldier awaits judgment

While costs of about $25m and possibly millions in damages are at stake, the trial also has existential implications for Australian journalism

The Guardian - AU · Jul 27, 2022

Roberts-Smith's defamation trial concludes

The defamation trial launched by war veteran Ben Roberts-Smith has concluded more than a year after it began with the judge reserving his decision.

AAP · Jul 27, 2022

Ben Roberts-Smith’s year-long defamation trial against three newspapers concludes

Ex-soldier’s barrister tells court that reporters ‘jumped on rumours’, while newspapers’ counsel alleges Roberts-Smith ‘prepared to lie under oath’

The Guardian - AU · Jul 27, 2022

Defence force documents disprove allegation Ben Roberts-Smith killed teenager in Afghanistan, defamation trial hears

Former soldier’s lawyer says defence documents show teenager was released unharmed but newspapers say they are not accurate

The Guardian - AU · Jul 26, 2022

Evidence of Afghan witnesses against Ben Roberts-Smith ‘hardly neutral’, lawyer tells court

Lawyers for Ben Roberts-Smith urge Justice Besanko to disregard evidence of Afghan witnesses, saying the men were prejudiced against Australian soldiers

The Guardian - AU · Jul 25, 2022

Ben Roberts-Smith allegedly attempted to ‘intimidate’ witnesses, lawyers for newspapers tell defamation trial

In closing submissions newspapers’ counsel claims alleged actions are forceful indicators of Roberts-Smith’s ‘consciousness of guilt’

The Guardian - AU · Jul 21, 2022

Roberts-Smith's victim 'most impressive'

A serving SAS soldier savagely bullied by Ben Roberts-Smith is one of the most impressive witnesses to be called at the defamation trial, a judge has heard.

AAP · Jul 21, 2022