"I was extremely fortunate and very honoured to have served with this proud and friendly family man, between 2008 and 2010. News of his potential deportation has shocked and appalled me. Please read and show your support.
A Fijian born soldier in the British Army who was facing deportation has been given discretionary leave to remain in the UK.
Lance Corporal Isimeli “Bale” Baleiwai was facing deportation on 9 August because of a disciplinary offence against his military record. Unbeknown to him, the offence equated to a criminal offence under an amendment last year to immigration law.
The Fijian, who served for the British Army for 13 years and risked his life in five operational tours to Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan, was involved in an altercation with another soldier. His Commanding Officer dealt with the issue in a summary hearing. There was no jury, no defence, and no witnesses.
LCpl Baleiwai accepted a £1,000 fine and thought the issue was closed. It was not.
When he voluntarily discharged from the Army to spend more time with his family, British wife Kim and his two British children, he was told he had “no status” by the UK Border Agency. He was given 28 days to leave the country.
Last week he has been told that he can appeal against the offence, but this time with the military equivalent of a jury and witnesses.
If he does clear his name, that “unspent conviction” will no longer exist and he may finally get to remain in Britain indefinitely."
http://byronkirk.tumblr.com/post/30995315552/i-was-extremely-fortunate-and-very-honoured-to
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