Ads by Google Ads by Google

American Samoa man who assaulted his wife says he’s sorry

Court Report logo
ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The 37-year-old man who was accused of assaulting his wife while he was extremely intoxicated told the court that he was sorry for his action.

The defendant was initially charged with 3rd degree assault, public peace disturbance and endangering the welfare of a child, all misdemeanors. However under a plea agreement with the government, the defendant plead guilty to 3rd degree assault, while the remaining charges were dismissed by the court.

Upon his guilty plea, the defendant admits that on the night of the incident last month, he assaulted his wife, who was holding his 15-month old son, by punching her face multiple times, pulling her hair and kicking her in the back. The defendant further admitted that his action not only injured his wife but also put his son’s life at risk.

When given the chance to address the court, the defendant apologized to the court for his action and asked for a second chance to continue to care for his wife and three young children. He also apologized to his wife and children for his action, and promised that this will not happen again.

District Court Judge Pro Temp Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde accepted the defendant’s apology and then placed him on probation for 12 months under certain conditions.

The defendant was ordered not to possess illegal drugs or alcohol, and he has to submit to random testing to make sure he’s complying with order of the court. He also must refrain from harassing or threatening his wife and children and remain law abiding.

He was also ordered to attend and complete an anger counseling program and pay a $145 fine.