The former Australian Army lawyer was sentenced to a maximum of five years and eight months in jail in May 2024.1 min readPublished 13 August 2026 10:15amSource: AAPSkip to article contentWhistleblower David McBride has been released from a Canberra prison after his successful bid for parole. His parole was considered and granted on Thursday morning, a spokesperson for Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said."The government does not provide specific commentary or details about individual parole matters," the spokesperson said.McBride served his full non-parole period of 27 months.The former army lawyer was sentenced to a maximum of five years and eight months in jail in May 2024 after he helped steal secret defence documents about the Afghanistan war. He then leaked them to the press.News that makes senseYour trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.He pleaded guilty to three charges after the court upheld a Commonwealth intervention to withhold evidence that the government argued could jeopardise Australia's security.This is a developing story and this article will be updated.For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.