Royal Marine Cleared Of Rape But Guilty Of Actual Bodily Harm

A Royal Marine accused of sexually assaulting a woman in his home has been cleared of rape, but still faces the end of his exemplary career.

Lance Corporal Lee Fraser now faces a dishonourable discharge after being found guilty of actual bodily harm.

The woman told the court that Fraser put his hand around her throat and grabbed her so hard that her stomach was bruised.

Judge Paul Darlow rejected a defence plea to pass a community order which would have allowed Fraser to keep his career. He told the Royal Marine:

"There might be a perception, might there not, that military personnel can buy their way out of violence towards women."

The 34-year-old, originally from Plymouth, earlier claimed that sex was consensual and denied raping and assaulting her in June 2015.

Fraser, who has served in Afghanistan and Somalia, bowed his head in relief as several female supporters at the back of court wiped away tears.

He is second-in-command of the Air Defence Troop in 3 Commando Brigade.

The Royal Marine was cleared after a week-long trial and was handed a 26-week prison sentence, suspended for two years.