Domestic abuse soldier sentenced

A Fijian soldier, serving with the Royal Scottish Borderers, who assaulted his wife, has been sentenced to two months in jail.

Lemeki Racava, 29, had pleaded guilty previously to repeatedly punching his wife, Eliki, on the head at Dreghorn Grove in Edinburgh, on 12 August.

Sentence had been deferred for background reports.

Racava limped into the dock at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, using a single crutch following a rugby injury.

You are a bully, a coward and a disgrace to your gender and the uniform you wear, but which you might not be wearing for very much longer Sheriff Liddle

Racava's solicitor told Sheriff Liddle: "The position of the Army is they have had enough of his behaviour and his career seems to be in jeopardy."

Sheriff Liddle told Racava: "You are a bully, a coward and a disgrace to your gender and the uniform you wear, but which you might not be wearing for very much longer."

The sheriff said it was the third time that Racava had been involved in domestic violence.

He had been told by the defence agent that Racava's wife was still supportive of him.

'Lengthy custody period'

"That is often the case when someone is cowed by someone like you" he said.

Sheriff Liddle told Racava: "I wish I could sentence you to a lengthy period in custody. I can't. I am not allowed.

"The only thing I could do is sentence you to two months. Because of the discount for an early plea that would leave you only serving one month. Nowhere near enough."

Sheriff Liddle placed Racava on probation for two years, ordered him to attend the Domestic Violence Project and to perform 160 hours of community service.