A Jamaican soldier is facing multiple charges after he allegedly physically assaulted his girlfriend. Staff sergeant Lascelles Archibald Burke from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) reportedly used his firearm to beat and assault the partner at her workplace.
The 42-year-old soldier went to Rosseau Road in Kingston to visit his girlfriend’s place of employment on Sunday, February 16, 2025. He arrived at the establishment around 6:50 p.m., according to a report.
The Jamaica Observer reported that, based on information gathered and findings from the investigations, the couple got into a verbal altercation at the establishment. The police reported that the argument escalated, leading to the woman being hit and kicked multiple times all over her body. This caused several bruises, swelling, and pain.
The assault continued when the soldier allegedly pushed her against the wall and forced his gun into her mouth and throat, leading to more pain, bruises, and swelling.
After the physical assault, Burke left the establishment. Following the incident, Burke was accompanied by his attorney during an interview, and a file was submitted to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The DPP ruled that he should be charged, and the soldier was formally charged for the offence on Wednesday.
The staff sergeant from Waterford, St. Catherine, was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to injure, assault occasioning grievous bodily harm, and making use of a firearm to commit a felony, according to the Jamaica Observer.
This incident follows on the heels of another domestic violence incident involving a soldier who left his girlfriend hospitalised. The incident occurred in mid-February when a 40-year-old JDF soldier accidentally shot and injured his 25-year-old girlfriend at her home on Crescent Road, Kingston 10.
It was allegedly an accident that occurred while they were arguing. The report stated that his girlfriend, who works as a nail technician, threw stones and bottles at him, and he withdrew his firearm in defence. The female was shot in the right leg, and the corporal’s firearm was seized.