An Angus royal marine jailed on Tuesday for a vicious attack on his wife could be released as early as next week.
Sergeant Wayne Harrison, of 45 Commando, is to appeal against a 15-month sentence handed down at Arbroath Sheriff Court.
The move has angered women’s support groups in light of the ferocity of the assault which saw the 33-year-old bite, slap and choke unconscious his wife Lynne at RM Condor, Arbroath.
Defence solicitor Ian Flynn confirmed papers would be lodged on the serviceman’s behalf at the High Court of Judiciary by Thursday afternoon.
An application will be made for interim liberation, meaning Harrison could be released on bail pending any hearing.
Chris Green, executive director of domestic abuse charity White Ribbon UK, said: “This sends the wrong message to men who may be likely to use violence. It doesn’t act as a deterrent. White Ribbon is about preventing violence from happening.
“We look to engage with men and talk to them about their feelings of masculinity. There is plenty of evidence to say that people who have been trained to be violent are more likely to use their violence effectively.”
Mrs Harrison and her parents travelled from their home in Chirton, North Shields, to be in court for the verdict. Mr Flynn said the family’s support for Harrison sets the case apart from other domestic incidents.
“The appeal process is quite common,” he said. The appeal will go in either Thursday or Friday and there will be a hearing, probably next week.
“Any appeal has to be made within 14 days of the sentence and will be held at the High Court of Judiciary in Edinburgh.”
Mr Flynn said that Harrison was “doing fine” after Tuesday’s court appearance, which saw his wife hurl abuse at Sheriff Peter Paterson before fleeing the building in tears.
Mrs Harrison’s parents were in the public gallery during sentencing. If his appeal fails, Harrison, who was hailed a hero on his return from Afghanistan in 2009, is likely to be discharged from the elite force.
The High Court has the power to modify Harrison’s sentence or order a full appeal hearing.
A sifting process is expected to begin next week starting with one judge who can either make an alternative verdict, stick with the original sentence or call for a further hearing with three judges.
The Ministry of Defence failed to respond to a request for comment.