British army soldier faces deportation

Serious concerns are being raised on the welfare and future of a Fijian in the British Army Epeli Uluilakeba, who faces deportation from the UK.

Uluilakeba was wounded in the same blast that killed Private Philip Hewett in July last year while on active duty in Iraq.

British news agency the Telegraph said that despite being seriously injured when the blast tore their vehicle apart, Uluilakeba, known to his friends as Pex, sought to give first aid to one of his dying comrades, who lay beside the corpse of their patrol leader.

It said from this bloody chaos, Pex emerged with severe psychological trauma, but within a year he was deemed fit to be sent back to Iraq, where he endured the terrifying siege of Basra Palace.

When he returned once more to England he was diagnosed as suffering from post traumatic stress disorder B for which he received no treatment.

The report said still deeply disturbed by his experiences, he took to heavy drinking and in the small hours of one morning, when an over zealous corporal was shouting to evacuate the barracks for a fire drill, Pex drew a knife on him.

For this, he was court martial in 2009.

After a short spell in Colchester prison, the Army discharged him as “no longer being of service”.

British Tabloids are now raising the question on whether the British government will come to the defense of an Iraq war hero and show proper care for all those members of the Armed Forces who are prepared to put their health and lives at risk on their behalf.


Story by: Roneel Lal