Roberts-Smith ‘Never Planned’ to Flee Overseas: Court Document

In an affidavit filed with the court, Roberts-Smith’s partner wrote they wanted to move out of Australia to create some normalcy in their lives.

Ben Roberts-Smith departs the Federal Court of Australia in Sydney on June 7, 2021. Sam Mooy/Getty Images

Ben Roberts-Smith was eyeing business opportunities overseas before his arrest, but his partner says the war veteran always intended to return home if criminal charges were laid.

The former Special Air Service (SAS) soldier was arrested on April 7 and charged with murdering or ordering the murders of five unarmed detainees while deployed in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012.