BY MELVILLE TITIULU
A man who could not be named to protect the identity of the victim has pleaded guilty to domestic violence charges in court on Friday, February 20.
The matter was heard in court by Magistrate Ben Alasia.
The defendant from Sikaiana in Malaita Outer Island is charged with one count of domestic violence contrary to section 58 (1) of the Family Protection Act, 2014.
The defendant and the victim are wife and husband. They both have a child.
It was alleged in the charges that the defendant slapped the victim while she was carrying their baby.
Police Constable Ms. Anina confirmed that the charge was filed on 29 February 2026 and that the defendant took his plea on Friday, February 20.
Defense counsel informed the court that he proposes to call the defendant to take his plea to that one count of Domestic Violence charge.
Magistrate Ben Alasia asked the defendant both in English and Pidgin as to how he will plea the charge of Domestic Violence to which he pleaded guilty.
The matter was further adjourned to Friday 27th February at 9am for sentencing.
This was after both counsels agreed for a 7 days adjournment to give ample time for respective counsels to settle the agreed facts and to have it settled and prepared before sentencing submissions at the next proposed mention date.
In the meantime, Magistrate informed parties to file agreed facts and furnish copies at the registry.
The court then ordered that the defendant to be remanded in custody while awaiting sentencing at the adjourned date.
Police constable Ms. Anina appears for the prosecutions.
Counsel Saeni appears on behalf of Moffat Kiriau, Senior Legal Officer, from the Public Solicitors Office.
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