Man, 63, jailed for assaulting wife

A 63-year-old Suva man has been jailed for eight months for assaulting his wife after he was drinking alone at their home.

The court heard Sat Narayan Pal was drinking alone at home while his wife was watching television in her room but later Pal came into her room and began swearing at her before assaulting her.  

Pal then went to the kitchen and brought a small kitchen knife and put it against her neck and by doing this his wife received a cut on the right side of her neck and began calling out to her neighbor to help her.  

The court then heard that the couple has been married for 42 years, Pal worked all his life as a Civil Servant before retiring in 2002, he has never been before the Courts before and his wife has written a genuine letter of forgiveness and reconciliation to the court, speaking of their shame and disgrace as a result of this incident.

In sentencing Pal High Court Judge Justice Paul Madigan said an assault of this kind with a cut from a knife would almost invariably attract a custodial sentence, however given the circumstances of this case this court will extend mercy to Pal.

Pal will also face a suspension period of two years.

By Mereani Gonedua