Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The 47-year-old man accused of assaulting his wife while he was intoxicated told the court that he’s sorry and he will never do it again.

(Samoa News does not identify parties in domestic violence cases, to protect the victims.)

According to the man, he’s a changed person, he attends church every Sunday.

The defendant was initially charged with resisting arrest, third degree assault, public peace disturbance, and endangering the welfare of a child - all misdemeanors. But under a plea agreement with the government, the defendant pled guilty to third degree assault. The remaining charges were dismissed.

With his guilty plea, the man admits that in March of this year, he assaulted his wife, who was holding their 2-year-old daughter, by punching her in the face multiple times, pulling her hair, and kicking her in the back. The defendant admits that his actions not only injured his wife, but they also put his daughter’s life at risk.

The defendant apologized to the court and asked for a second chance so he can care for his wife and their 4 children. He also apologized to his wife and kids and promised that this would not happen again.

District Court Judge Elvis P. Patea accepted the defendant’s apology and then placed him on probation for 24 months under certain conditions.

The defendant is to remain drug and alcohol free; submit to random testing; remain law abiding; and refrain from harassing or threatening his wife and children.

He is also ordered to attend and complete an anger management counseling program and pay a $100 fine.