SAS soldier accused of conspiring to bash pregnant woman
November 15, 1987 - 11:49AM

The Herald Sun newspaper in Melbourne says a 31-year-old trooper
conspired to beat the woman and bring on an abortion.

It says the charges laid by police in Perth allege the woman fell
pregnant to the soldier and he conspired to bash her and terminate the
pregnancy.

The newspaper says the charges were laid against Trooper Peter Mcgrath
at the SAS headquarters in Perth last Tuesday.

McGrath is due to appear in Perth Magistrates Court today charged with
conspiracy.

It is also understood that he is to be charged with firearms offences,
including possessing a silencer.

A Department of Defence spokesman said it was too early to comment on
the type of disciplinary action the man could face or whether he had
been placed on restricted duties.

"It is certainly too early to comment and we do not comment on
individual cases but when a soldier is charged, he is continued to be
employed until the judicial process has taken its course," the
spokesman said.

"However, a soldier may be placed on restrictive duties in accordance
with any conditions placed upon him by the court and bearing in mind
the nature of an offence, he also could be placed on restrictive
duties."

The spokesman said if found guilty of a serious conviction, a
soldier's future with the department was automatically reviewed and
could warrant a discharge from Australia's armed forces.

AAP