St. Patrick's Day is an important day in my regiment. Irish traditions go hand-in-hand with plenty of alcohol, good food and festivities. I was looking forward to the celebrations and I had a guest joining me at our Corporals Mess, where I was a member. He is also Fijian but in a different regiment, associated with ours. We entered the bar, ordered two pints of lager and began chatting to colleagues. I believe that the majority of people were drunk, after drinking since the parade in the early afternoon. Enjoying the Irish music and jolly atmosphere, we opted for a second drink.
An incident ensued after my guest was on his way to the bathroom and accidentally bumped one of the mess members on the dance floor. His apology was returned with a profane finger in his face and on his return, four members of the mess followed him in order to throw him out.
When I questioned the men as to why my guest was to be thrown out they claimed that he was not supposed to be there as he was not a member. When I pointed out that non-members were allowed they told me that they did not want him in the mess and that he should leave. I conveyed to them how totally unacceptable and discriminatory they were being so they began to complain that he was still wearing a uniform and despite numerous people still dressed in uniform I told them that I would request that he change. By this stage he had already been taken outside.
I went outside to look for him and saw him standing in an adjacent passageway speaking to one of the Colour Sergeants. As I walked towards them a member of our Regimental Police stepped in my way, swore at me and said that I was not allowed to speak to my guest. I replied that this situation had nothing to do with him and again he threw abusive language at me. I tried to force myself passed him so he pushed me and I flew across the passageway and hit the wall. When I bounced back I pushed him in the face with the palm of my hand. He moved back and I explained to my guest that he should change and that I would await his return.
On his return the same mess members stopped us. I asked them why we weren't allowed back in after we had complied with their demands and they told me to speak to the barman. As I approached the bar tender, on their advice, one of the mess members walked towards me and punched me on the chin. I turned and hit him back in self-defence.
Suddenly people were pulling us apart and telling us to calm down. I returned to the bar to talk to the bar tender as my guest was still standing outside. Suddenly the bar tender stormed across the bar and started using rude, offensive and abusive language. I tried to explain to him what had happen but he just continued ranting in an aggressive manner so I pushed him but did not injure him.
I was taken outside by one of the mess members who told me to go and see my platoon second in command. I explained the situation to him and he took me to the drill sergeant who told me to go to the guardroom where I was detained until the next day, when I had my interview with the Military Police.
On the following Tuesday I was told to go and see my Company Sergeant Major who told me that he does not give a f*** about what happened that night and that I should start thinking about my career. I understand now that he was basically telling me that my career was over.
I am now in prison accused of causing Grievous Bodily Harm and Actual Bodily Harm. I was sentenced for 16 months after, what I deem to be, a racist and unfair trial in a court martial. I have lost my rank and been dismissed from the army.
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