A BOURNEMOUTH soldier and his family face an uncertain six-month wait to learn if he will be deported.

Lance Corporal Bale Baleiwai, 32, was refused citizenship and risked being booted out of the country over an old decision to accept punishment for fighting another soldier.

Fijian-born Ismeli Baleiwai has served in the British Armed Forces for 13 years and toured in war-torn Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

But he, his British wife and two young children had their lives thrown into turmoil recently as law changes mean he is now a convicted criminal in the eyes of the Home Office.

More than 25,000 people have signed a petition to let him stay.

However, following an appeal Bale has been granted six months discretionary leave – but cannot work, claim benefits or see a doctor.

Wife Kim said: “I will have to work full-time to provide for our family.

“We have been through hell.

“It has been such a difficult time, thinking Bale would be deported this week.”

Bale applied for British citizenship back in March while still serving in the Household Cavalry.

After he left voluntarily in June, it was revealed that changes to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act in 2010 meant that a previous fine from his Commanding Officer qualified as a criminal conviction.

Kim added: “Our case is a hot potato that has shown up a massive hole in government law.

“No-one wants to put their name to it or deal with it, but we’re deeply concerned about the situation and believe there are other families this has happened to.”

The family are pinning their hopes on MP Conor Burns to fight their corner.

“He’s the only one who can help us,” Kim added.

Mr Burns told the Echo: “I am well aware of Mr Bale’s case and have taken it up directly with the Immigration Minister Damian Green at the Home Office.

“My office are in regular contact with Mr Bale’s family and I am doing as much as I can to support him."

For more information visit gopetition.co.uk/petitions/stop-bale-being-deported-after-13-years-serving-british.html to sign the petition.