Black soldier is cleared of ‘slashing’ at group of Fijian friends with a machete in drunken row over why they were socialising with white colleagues
- Kevin Carasco has been cleared of two charges following a five-day trial
- He was accused of ‘slashing’ a machete at a group of colleagues in a row
A black British Army soldier was cleared of ‘slashing’ at a group of Fijian colleagues with a machete following a drunken row over why they were socialising with white colleagues.
Bombardier Kevin Carasco was accused of becoming enraged when believing his comrades were conspiring to beat him up, challenging them to a fight and telling them, ‘you guys are going to know who I am’.
It was alleged that he got into his car and drove towards them ‘at high speeds’ before jumping out armed with a weapon ‘the length of his forearm’ and trying ‘to stab everyone’.
Bdr Carasco claimed that he was acting in self-defence and denied two charges of attempted wounding with intent and affray.
Now, following a five-day trial and four-hour board deliberations at Bulford Military Court, Bdr Carasco has been cleared of both charges.
Bombardier Kevin Carasco was accused of becoming enraged when believing his comrades were conspiring to beat him up
Following a five-day trial and four-hour board deliberations at Bulford Military Court, Bdr Carasco has been cleared of both charges
Bulford Military Court (pictured)
Prosecuting Jim Carmichael had previously told the court the alleged attack took place at Baker Barracks near Portsmouth, Hampshire, in July 2021.
Baker Barracks is the home of ground-based air defence specialists 12 and 16 Regiment Royal Artillery.
‘A group of predominantly Fijian soldiers were drinking. Morale was high, but that all changed after the arrival of [Bdr Carasco],’ he said.
The court heard that as well as the Fijians – who included his friend Gunner Bachan Ceba – there were ‘English guys and a girl’ including Gunner Ethan Simpson.
‘(Bdr Carasco) was drinking and asked Gunner Ceba why they were drinking with ‘those white c***s’, but he ignored him and talked with the others in Fijan, talking about buying more drinks,’ he continued.
‘He then challenged him to a fight and asked if they wanted to ‘bang him out’.
‘[Bdr Carasco] threw a punch at Gunner Ceba, who then punched Carasco.’
The court heard that after Bdr Carasco left, the group at the smoking shelter saw him return in a blue Ford Focus driving at ‘high speed’ across the camp as it left the road, went over the kerb and pavement and across grass towards them.
He was then said to have got out of the car armed with a machete and started ‘slashing’ at people.
The court heard that the Fijian soldiers defended themselves with branches, striking Bdr Carasco in the ribs and smashing his car window.
