Ben Roberts-Smith was a towering figure and permanent fixture throughout his marathon defamation trial, attending court almost every day.
But the hulking former special forces soldier was nowhere to be seen on judgment day.
A crush of lawyers, reporters and onlookers descended on Sydney's court district on Thursday to hear the judge deliver his findings.
Dozens of people flushed in and out of the Federal Court while close to 10,000 streamed proceedings online.
The 44-year-old's barrister was all smiles on arrival as he greeted the waiting media.
The silks representing media outlets in the epic defamation battle stayed silent.
The mood inside the courtroom was tense and uncertain as Justice Anthony Besanko summed up his findings.
There was a muddle of shock, surprise and clarity as the gravity of the situation sunk in.
Mr Roberts-Smith sued three newspapers and journalists over stories that alleged he killed Afghan civilians, bullied colleagues and committed domestic violence.
The Victoria Cross recipient denied the allegations and said he'd been defamed.
The newspapers ran a truth defence throughout the mammoth trial.
They won.
Outside court, journalist Nick McKenzie was flanked by fellow reporters as he addressed the heaving media pack.
"It's a day of justice for those brave men of the SAS who stood up and told the truth about who Ben Roberts-Smith is - a war criminal, a bully and a liar," he said.
After more than 100 days of hearings and at least $25 million in legal fees, the defamation trial of the century was finally over.
McKenzie said it was small justice for the Afghans killed.
And he reflected on footage of the decorated veteran holidaying overseas.
"He came almost every day but he did not come to the day of judgment," McKenzie said.
"He's in Bali, doing whatever he's doing.
"We're here to welcome justice and the truth."
Mr Roberts-Smith has not been charged with any criminal offences and maintains his innocence.
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