Ben Roberts-Smith quits Channel Seven after losing defamation 'trial of the century'

Ben Roberts-Smith has resigned from his senior role at the Seven Network after he lost his landmark defamation action against Nine newspapers.

Mr Roberts-Smith had been general manager of Seven Queensland since 2015 and his court case was bankrolled by Seven West Media owner Kerry Stokes.

Federal Court Justice Anthony Beskanko dismissed Mr Roberts-Smith’s action on Thursday after finding Nine’s war crimes allegations against him were substantially true.

Justice Besanko found the 44-year-old had been complicit in the murders of three prisoners while serving with the Special Air Service in Afghanistan.  

Seven’s managing director and chief executive officer James Warburton has told staff Mr Roberts-Smith has offered his resignation, according to Guardian Australia.

Ben Roberts-Smith has resigned from the Seven Network after he lost his defamation action against Nine Newspapers

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‘As you’re all aware, the judgement in the defamation case was handed down yesterday,’ Mr Warburton said in an email.

‘Ben has been on leave whilst the case was running, and today has offered his resignation, which we have accepted.

‘We thank Ben for his commitment to Seven and wish him all the best.’

Australia’s most decorated living soldier was not present in court when Justice Besanko made his decision on Thursday.

Instead he was photographed 4,000km away, sunbathing in swimmers on a lounger by the pool at a luxury $500-a-night resort in Bali.

Mr Stokes was reportedly blindsided by the absence of Mr Roberts-Smith who had a meteoric rise through the ranks of Seven after leaving the army.

The billionaire said after Justice Besanko’s ruling he had not had ‘a chance to have a discussion with Ben as yet, but I will when he has had a chance to fully absorb the judgement.’