Judge says ex-soldier Heston Russell defamation case becoming ‘a bit of a farce’ as ABC reinstates defence

Supreme court judge drops demand for broadcaster to reveal source, stating former commando already knew their identity

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The ABC has reversed a decision to drop its defence of a defamation suit brought by former commando Heston Russell, during a day of legal argument labelled farcical" by a federal court judge.

The about-face comes two days after the ABC initially abandoned its public interest defence when ordered to reveal a confidential source.