Corrective Services NSW staff tried to sneak ex-soldier out back exit of prison

Corrective Services NSW officers planned a clandestine release for accused war criminal Ben Roberts-Smith through a rear exit of Silverwater jail in April. Internal documents reveal the department used a vehicle convoy to block media, though a subsequent review found that procedural and compliance requirements were not fully met during the operation.

The 47-year-old former soldier was remanded in custody after being arrested at Sydney Airport on five counts of war crime—murder over the alleged killing of unarmed Afghan detainees. According to internal communications, staff viewed Roberts-Smith as the highest-profile inmate they had ever encountered.

How was Ben Roberts-Smith released from Silverwater jail?

Silverwater jail governor Patrick Aboud led a convoy of vehicles to escort Roberts-Smith and his partner, Sarah Matulin, from the complex on April 17. Documents show Aboud’s vehicle was used to block the road as the pair left the facility to prevent media from photographing the release.

Internal emails indicate the plan to use a rear exit was approved more than 24 hours before bail was granted. A senior member of the Corrective Services NSW media unit wrote on April 16 that the goal was to get the inmate off the complex safely without alerting the media to the specific exit point.

The operation resulted in chaotic scenes. A review found that two female Security Operations Group officers exited their vehicles to impede media access. Their supervisor described the potential for a “very dangerous situation” if the media had blocked the car or if an unidentified person had approached the vehicle.

Did You Know? Ben Roberts-Smith was categorized as a “national security interest inmate,” a designation that triggered extreme “high-risk security escort protocols” during his time in custody.

What preferential treatment was allegedly given to Roberts-Smith?

Documents reveal specific interventions to manage Roberts-Smith’s daily routine. The prison’s security manager personally emailed colleagues to ensure the inmate was offered his daily exercise every day, including weekends.

Governor Aboud also directed officers to escort Sarah Matulin from the complex. Aboud stated this was done to “mitigate risks” because Matulin was unfamiliar with the facility’s layout.

Corrective Services NSW denied these actions constituted preferential treatment. Aboud told deputy commissioner Adam Wilkinson that the release was a “risk-informed, and professionally justified response” to a complex environment. He stated he would make the same decision again “without fear or favour.”

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter suggests that when agencies prioritize “dynamic operational risk assessments” over standard transparency, it often creates a friction point with public accountability. The stakes in this case were heightened by the high-profile nature of the accused and the intense political scrutiny surrounding the charges.

What did the internal review find regarding the release?

The “After Action Review” concluded that while officers intended to ensure the safety of the inmate and the public, “procedural and compliance requirements were not fully met.”

Secrets documents reveal Ben Roberts-Smith's time inside jail | 9 News Australia

The review specifically criticized officers for failing to activate body-worn cameras or submit incident reports during what was described as a “significant external security event.”

Ken Pese, general manager of the Security Operations Group, admitted in emails that officers have limited powers on public roads. He noted a “gap in our procedures” regarding the release of high-profile inmates and requested a workshop with the media unit to establish new protocols.

What may happen next for Corrective Services NSW?

Corrective Services NSW has already begun tailored media training for staff to better manage high-profile releases. A spokesperson stated that while previous protocols were not well suited for media engagement, no evidence of misconduct was found.

Future releases of high-profile inmates may involve updated protocols developed through the Security Operations Group’s workshops. It is likely that the department will place a heavier emphasis on the mandatory use of body-worn cameras during external security events to avoid the compliance failures seen in April.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did prison officers try to use a rear exit for Ben Roberts-Smith?
According to internal emails, the goal was to remove the inmate from the complex safely and without creating security concerns, specifically by ensuring the media was not informed of the exit point.

What are the specific charges against Ben Roberts-Smith?
He has been charged with five counts of war crime—murder related to the alleged killing of unarmed Afghan detainees.

Were any officers disciplined following the review?
A Corrective Services NSW spokesperson stated that the department reviewed the actions of all involved staff and found no evidence of misconduct.

Do you believe high-profile inmates should be subject to different security protocols during their release?