Judge quizzes complainant on state of marriage

A complainant in a court matter was questioned by the High Court on Friday on the status of her marriage after her husband was charged with and pleaded guilty to one count of act with intent to cause grievous harm.

The 57-year-old accused and the 36-year-old complainant appeared before Justice Daniel Goundar. The accused hit the victim on her head, shoulders, legs and neck in July 2018 in Lakeba, Lau, after an argument.

The accused claimed the complainant lied to him and went to drink homebrew with some youths. The accused hit the complainant with a stick until it broke.

The State lawyer told the court that the complainant suffered bruises and injuries and was admitted in the hospital.

When the complainant took the stand in court, Justice Goundar questioned her on her marital status and she responded that she wished to continue with her marriage and it was her own decision. The complainant told the court that they had two children aged eight and seven and the accused was the sole breadwinner in the family.

She told the court that she had visited the accused at the Suva Remand Centre and the accused had apologised for his act and promised her that he would not harm her again.

The state counsel had asked for a sentence within the tariff of two to three years and sought a permanent domestic violence restraining order to be issued for the protection of the complainant and her children. The accused was remanded in custody. The matter was adjourned for sentencing to October 19 before Justice Goundar. A production order was issued for the accused to be present in court for his sentence hearing. Ashna Kumar Edited by Epineri Vula