He was not Court Martialled, it was the usual run of the mill kangaroo court before his CO, could even have been as low as his Company Cdr. He therefore had no representation and was not aware that several of his comrades had offered to appear as witnesses to testify that he was defending himself. They were not allowed to do so.
Bale was fined in 2011 by his Commanding Officer for fighting with another soldier who instigated the fight. There was no police involvement, no trial, no defence and nor was it impartial. Bale did not know he was being charged with a criminal conviction. He believed this was an 'in-house' disciplinary offence only. He has no criminal record, this offence is only on his military record. There was no court martial. He has now appealed the conviction.