Magistrate warns wife abuser

Suva Magistrate Deepika Prakash warned a 30-year-old convicted wife abuser Thursday to work on changing his behaviour and that his wife was not a punching bag.

Magistrate Prakash made the comments after sentencing the accused to seven months imprisonment and suspended it for three years.

A permanent Domestic Violence Restraining Order was also issued against the accused to protect his wife (complainant). On July 23 this year the accused woke up and swore at his wife. While she was walking towards the shop, the accused dragged her by her t-shirt and punched her on the head and chest.

He then cut her hair and hit her with a belt 10 times. The accused pleaded guilty to the assault and admitted the summary of facts at his own free will. In mitigation the accused submitted that he was a shoeshine boy and a father of two children.

He also stated that he earned $30 per day, had reconciled with his wife and was the sole breadwinner of the family.

He also submitted that he was willing to change his behaviour.

“This Court notes that you have seven previous convictions, two of which is current for the purposes of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1997,” Magistrate Prakash said. She mentioned that an objective of sentencing was to punish offenders to an extent and manner which was just in all circumstances.

He has been given 28 days to appeal.