War hero slams latest claims

AUSTRALIA’S most decorated soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, has lashed fresh allegations against him as “baseless”, while the Seven Network has confirmed he will continue in his role with the company.

On Sunday, 60 Minutes and the Nine newspapers published secretly recorded audio of Mr Roberts-Smith (pictured) vowing to “destroy” those levelling war crimes allegations against him, and lauding Seven boss Kerry Stokes for financing his legal fight.

The report also accused Mr Roberts-Smith of burying in his backyard a USB containing images of misconduct by soldiers.

But in a statement on Monday, Mr Roberts-Smith’s lawyers labelled the allegations “baseless” and vowed to continue a defamation suit against journalist Nick McKenzie and the Nine newspapers. They claimed the allegations were not put to Mr Roberts-Smith before they were aired, and the Victoria Cross recipient feared they were an attempt to intimidate him out of legal proceedings.

“The allegations aired this evening are baseless. These allegations are not supported by any evidence filed by Mr McKenzie and Nine in what has been an extensive pre-trial process,” the statement read.

“Mr Roberts-Smith denies that he has engaged in any unlawful conduct and he will not be intimidated by Mr McKenzie or Nine into not continuing with the Federal Court proceedings against them.”

The Seven Network also confirmed it had no intention of standing Mr Roberts-Smith aside from his role as its Queensland managing director. It noted Mr RobertsSmith’s denial of the allegations and said there was “no need to reconsider” his position.

“Insofar as most of the material aired is old, Seven notes that it is before the Federal Court and the court process should be respected,” it said in a statement.

“Insofar as new allegations are made, they do not appear to be supported by evidence.”