Heston Russell defamation case: ABC journalist tells court he had permission to show confidential source’s face

Broadcaster says public interest rises well above truth' in defence to defamation allegations brought by ex-commando

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The ABC journalist Mark Willacy was given permission to show a confidential military source's face on television and online but not to reveal his name or location, the federal court has heard.

The award-winning journalist was under cross-examination on day two of a defamation trial brought by former commando Heston Russell, who is suing the ABC over two online news articles, a television news item and a radio broadcast.

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