Father-of-two whistleblower David McBride prepares for sentencing featuring former military lawyer turned whistleblower David McBride

It was the sound of his eldest daughter’s silent crying over the phone in Australia that ultimately compelled Afghan Files whistleblower David McBride to risk jail by coming home from Europe.

Her end-of-school father-daughter dance was coming up and she wanted her dad there.

The charismatic former military lawyer from Sydney had been trying to work out his next move after sharing classified documents alleging Australian war crimes in Afghanistan with ABC journalists.

Sure enough, police were waiting for him at the airport when he tried to leave Australia again.

During a subsequent controversial trial in Canberra, hopes of defending himself by arguing he was honouring his duty to the Australian people were dashed when the judge determined he was legally bound to serve the Crown foremost.

Left with little choice other than to plead guilty, David McBride awaits sentencing, almost certain to include several years in jail.

But while the thought of being away from his children again is costing him his sleep, David McBride says as long as he has their love and respect, it’s worth it.

The former Major spoke with Community Newsroom reporter Mia Armitage on Bay FM afternoon drivetime show, The Sandpit, on his way to the Northern Rivers for a last-minute whirlwind tour sharing his story and raising funds for his family via the sale of his newly-released book, The Nature of Honour.

PIC: David McBride outside the Mullumbimby ex-services club, March 2024 (Mia Armitage)

Father-of-two whistleblower David McBride prepares for sentencing featuring former military lawyer turned whistleblower David McBride
It was the sound of his eldest daughter’s silent crying over the phone in Australia that ultimately compelled Afghan Files whistleblower David McBride to risk jail by coming home from Europe.
Her end-of-school father-daughter dance was coming up and she wanted her dad there.
The charismatic former military lawyer from Sydney had been trying to work out his next move after sharing classified documents alleging Australian war crimes in Afghanistan with ABC journalists.
Sure enough, police were waiting for him at the airport when he tried to leave Australia again.
During a subsequent controversial trial in Canberra, hopes of defending himself by arguing he was honouring his duty to the Australian people were dashed when the judge determined he was legally bound to serve the Crown foremost.
Left with little choice other than to plead guilty, David McBride awaits sentencing, almost certain to include several years in jail.
But while the thought of being away from his children again is costing him his sleep, David McBride says as long as he has their love and respect, it’s worth it.
The former Major spoke with Community Newsroom reporter Mia Armitage on Bay FM afternoon drivetime show, The Sandpit, on his way to the Northern Rivers for a last-minute whirlwind tour sharing his story and raising funds for his family via the sale of his newly-released book, The Nature of Honour.
PIC: David McBride outside the Mullumbimby ex-services club, March 2024 (Mia Armitage)

Resonating stories. Journalists from around the block, interstate and overseas.With no corporate interests and no government bias, when it comes to news, we put community interests first. Our stories come from you.
Thanks to the CBF for support.

Facebook: @CommunityNewsroomNRN

Got a tip? Email communitynewsroom@mail.com

Anchor / Executive Producer: Mia Armitage

Resonating stories. Journalists from around the block, interstate and overseas.With no corporate interests and no government bias, when it comes to news, we put community interests first. Our stories come from you. Thanks to the CBF for support.
Facebook: @CommunityNewsroomNRN
Got a tip? Email communitynewsroom@mail.com
Anchor / Executive Producer: Mia Armitage

Community Newsroom: weekly show

Resonating stories. Journalists from around the block, interstate and overseas.With no corporate interests and no government bias, when it comes to news, we put community interests first. Our stories come from you.

Thanks to the Community Broadcasting Foundation for support.

Facebook: @CommunityNewsroomNRN

Got a tip? Email communitynewsroom@mail.com

Anchor / Executive Producer: Mia Armitage

Contributors: Anny Reed; Dr John Jiggens; Sean O’Shannessy (Environmental As Anything, RIver FM); Julie Beesley; Michelle Michels; Karen Crick; Dione Green; Rod Chambers (The Wire;) Eduardo Jordan (The Wire); Amanda Copp (National Radio News); Martin Davies (CBAA); Frank Bonnacorso (National Radio News); Naarda Media; Tune FM; Community Radio Network; Echo Publications; Monet Shortland

Resonating stories. Journalists from around the block, interstate and overseas.With no corporate interests and no government bias, when it comes to news, we put community interests first. Our stories come from you.
Thanks to the Community Broadcasting Foundation for support.
Facebook: @CommunityNewsroomNRN
Got a tip? Email communitynewsroom@mail.com
Anchor / Executive Producer: Mia Armitage
Contributors: Anny Reed; Dr John Jiggens; Sean O’Shannessy (Environmental As Anything, RIver FM); Julie Beesley; Michelle Michels; Karen Crick; Dione Green; Rod Chambers (The Wire;) Eduardo Jordan (The Wire); Amanda Copp (National Radio News); Martin Davies (CBAA); Frank Bonnacorso (National Radio News); Naarda Media; Tune FM; Community Radio Network; Echo Publications; Monet Shortland

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