A man who was charged under the Family Protection Act (FPA) for assaulting his wife has been placed on a 12 year bond on Monday.
This was after David Daivo pleaded guilty to punching his wife on her face, head and ear with his right closed fist.
He was charged with domestic violence – physical abuse contrary to section 4 (1) (a) and section 58 of the Family Protection Act (FPA).
The incident occurred at their family home at the Seven Up area at Tandai area, West Honiara on 13 August 2016.
The court heard he punched his wife when she refused to speak with him because he was drunk.
Police Prosecutor Tetoa Mosese told the court that this is not the first time the accused did this to his wife.
When asked by the magistrate as to why he punched his wife, Daivo who presented himself in court said it was because his wife refused to come to him.
“I called her but she did not come.
“I was a bit drunk and did not mean to punch her,” Daivo said.
Daivo said he got angry when his wife did not come to him and therefore punched her.
When asked if Daivo had reconciled with his wife, he said yes reconciliation has been made and he paid $300 to his wife.
Daivo promised the court this would be the last time he assault his wife.
The wife was also called before the court to confirm the reconciliation.
She did confirmed the reconciliation and told the court she and her husband now lives happily.
Deputy Chief Magistrate Shepherd Lapo told Daivo this is a domestic violence case where he assaulted his own wife.
“People who commit the offence under the new Family Protection Act are either excepting a fine or an imprisonment term.
“The purpose of this Act is not to separate family but to ensure there is peace, harmony and love in a family.
“These offences are subject to a custodial sentence,” Mr Lapo said.
After he took into account the mitigation factors and the accused’s personal circumstances Mr Lapo imposed a bound over sentence.
Mr Lapo said this is to keep the peace in his family, community and work place in the sum of $500.
He then warned Daivo not to commit further offences as this will result in him either going to prison or paying a fine.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
