Exclusive details revealed about Ben Roberts-Smith’s time in prison

Exclusive details have been released about Ben Roberts-Smith’s time behind bars, including the findings of an investigation into claims he had special treatment after being released on bail. 

In a trove of documents obtained by 9News, including the former SAS corporal’s mugshot, it has been learned that he was deemed a high-profile protection inmate.

Documents also say he was considered “the most prominent encountered by Corrective Services NSW”.

Roberts-Smith was hauled off a plane at Sydney Airport in April, and the 47-year-old was charged with five counts of war crime murder in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012.

A memo to the police commissioner assessed the risks during the Victoria Cross recipient’s stay in protective custody, showing careful consideration was given to his military training, however, it was determined the risk of escape was not high.

Officials also noted the number of Muslim prisoners housed at Silverwater because Roberts-Smith’s alleged victims were Afghan nationals.

He spent nine days on remand, with prison bosses urging officers to treat him strictly by the book.

“Emotions are running high both internally and externally, but professionalism must remain our standard,” the exclusive documents said.

“He is to be managed like any other inmate.”

But it was the accused war criminal’s release on bail that sparked concerns of special treatment.

His partner was permitted to drive straight inside the prison grounds before governor Patrick Aboud gave them a personal escort out the back route.

Members of the Security Operations Group were then accused of running interference by physically shielding Roberts-Smith’s moving car from photographers.

The NSW prison boss ordered an investigation, but the details have never been made public until now.

The findings have only been released to 9News after a formal request was made under transparency laws.

It was found that staff did not turn on their body-worn video cameras and failed to submit official incident reports.

The review said officers did not understand the scope of their authority when physically intervening with the civilian and media access to a released inmate.

Moving forward, corrections staff will undergo extra training, and a new rule book is being written on how to deal with high-profile prisoners like Roberts-Smith.