BY MELVILLE TITIULU
A man who got angry and attacked his wife because he wanted to go out drinking beer when he should have been babysitting to help his wife, who was doing the laundry, has been sentenced to four years’ imprisonment, with the judge describing his behaviour as ‘mere silliness’.
The defendant, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim, previously pleaded guilty to one count of acts intended to cause grievous harm, contrary to section 224 (a) of the Penal Code Cap. 26.
The court heard that on September 28, 2024, the defendant did so with the intent to do some grievous harm to his wife by using his right leg and right hand, open fist, to kick her both left and right hips and hit her left ear several times, causing internal bleeding to her liver.
“She could have died but was fortunate to receive early and timely medical intervention and care,” Justice John Keniapisia told the court.
The judge noted in his sentencing that in this case, the reason for the assault was “mere silliness”.
“Defendant got angry because he wanted to go out drinking beer when he should be babysitting to help his wife, who was doing the laundry.
“The court must be vigilant to give protection to vulnerable women from domestic violence by their partners or husbands,” Keniapisia said.
The defendants’ lawyer argued for a suspended sentence, but gave no reason to justify, and the court was of the view that a custodial sentence warrants the circumstances of the present case.
Judge Keniapisia said domestic violence is prevalent in this country, with women suffering at the hands of their husbands or male partner perpetrators.
“The court needs to send out a clear message of deterrence that men should not assault their wives or partners or female relatives for any reason at all,” he said.
The offence of acts intended to cause grievous harm attracts a maximum of life imprisonment. However, the court noted that this offence can be placed at the lower end of the scale of that offence.
“The absence of the normal serious aggravating factors such as pre-planning, acting in concert with others, use of a weapon and intruding into someone’s home to inflict harm,” the court said.
Justice Keniapisia sentenced the defendant to 4 years imprisonment after considering his mitigating and personal circumstances, hence, ordered that the defendant serve that 4 years at the Kirakira Correctional Centre.
“Four years is a very good time for you to go away, take stock of your life and come out a rehabilitation person to be a better and more responsible husband to your wife, father to your children and member of your community,” Judge Keniapisia told the defendant in court.
Ms Hellen Naqu and Mr Steward Beto prosecuted the matter on behalf of the Crown.
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