Benjamin Batterham has been awarded a significant damages payout from the New South Wales government after being wrongfully prosecuted for the murder of home intruder Richard Slater in 2016. A jury acquitted Batterham in 2019, determining that the charges against him should have been dismissed prior to trial. The acquittal was based on the premise that Batterham acted in self-defense during the home invasion incident that led to the confrontation with Slater.

In the aftermath of his trial, Batterham sought reimbursement for his legal costs, which his legal representatives estimated could exceed $1 million. Following his acquittal, a judge indicated that the prosecution's case had lacked sufficient grounds to proceed, which further strengthened Batterham's position in seeking damages from the government. This outcome not only highlights issues surrounding wrongful prosecutions but also elicits conversations about how legal systems might better protect the rights and financial burdens placed on individuals wrongfully accused.

Batterham’s lawyer has expressed that his client is eager to move forward with life after enduring a tumultuous legal battle. The payout provides a crucial step towards closure for Batterham, who has faced the emotional and economic toll of the wrongful charges. This case raises awareness about the implications of legal mistakes and the need for potential reforms within the judicial process to prevent similar injustices in the future.