By Lewis JacksonSYDNEY (Reuters) - An Australian court on Monday began hearing the appeal of a decorated war hero, who is fighting a court defamation ruling that found media groups had proven their reports he played a part in the unlawful killings of four Afghans in Afghanistan.
He called the reports false and based on claims of failed soldiers who were jealous of his accolades, and sought unspecified damages.
The civil court defamation finding required a lower threshold of proof than a criminal court would.
Roberts-Smith, 45, whose portrait hangs in the Australian War Memorial, has not been charged with any crimes.
The lengthy legal battle has racked up huge costs for Roberts-Smith and his financial backer, Seven West Media chairman Kerry Stokes.
Persons:
Lewis Jackson SYDNEY, Ben Roberts, Smith, Roberts, Kerry Stokes, Stokes, Lewis Jackson, Alasdair Pal, Michael Perry
Organizations:
Former SAS, Victoria Cross, Nine Entertainment, Australian, Roberts, Seven West Media, Sydney Morning Herald
Locations:
Afghanistan