Bombshell new battle crime allegations towards Ben Roberts-Smith have come to gentle as one of many embellished soldier's shut associates gave proof within the defamation battle with 9 Newspapers.
The person, recognized underneath the alias of Individual 5, was on the stand for a second day, denying accusations he was giving false proof to cease any potential future legal prosecutions.
Beneath tense cross examination, the witness accepted he had been implicated in three of the identical battle crime allegations that Roberts-Smith is going through.
They relate to the Whiskey 108 operation on Easter in 2009 when its alleged Individual 5, who was the patrol commander, ordered a rookie soldier to execute an unarmed Afghan.
The killing was allegedly overseen by Roberts-Smith.
The Victoria Cross recipient has additionally been accused of capturing lifeless a detainee with a prosthetic leg throughout the identical mission.
Throughout questioning, Individual 5 additionally acknowledged one other three accusations which have by no means earlier than been heard within the Federal Courtroom, together with two events in 2010 when he and Roberts-Smith have been accused of "blooding rookies".
The time period refers to junior troopers getting their first kill in battle.
The barrister for 9 Newspapers Nicholas Owens SC recommended the witness had intentionally given a false testimony to guard himself.
"You perceive... that if both of you adjustments your place and confesses to any of these murders, it should make the place of the opposite impossibly tough?" Mr Owens requested.
"Why would I confess to one thing that has by no means occurred?" Individual 5 hit again.
The retired soldier rejected accusations he left the army due to the official inquiry into the Afghanistan battle, though he admitted to warning Roberts-Smith in regards to the probe, which he described as a "witch-hunt".
Individual 5 will return to the stand for a 3rd day tomorrow.