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Taxi driver who assaulted his wife says he will never do it again

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ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A 38-year-old taxi driver accused of assaulting his wife while he was extremely intoxicated told the court that he is sorry for his actions and he will never do such things to his wife and children again.

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

With his guilty plea, the defendant admits that on the night of the incident last month, he assaulted his wife, who was holding their 2-year-old son, by punching her in the face multiple times, pulling her hair, and kicking her in the back. The defendant further admits that his actions 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 for his actions and asked for a second chance to continue to care for his wife and their four young children. He also apologized to his wife and kids and promised that this would never happen again.

District Court Judge Fiti Sunia accepted the defendant’s apology and then placed him on probation for 12 months under certain conditions.

The defendant is ordered to remain alcohol and drug free, and he has to submit to random testing. He also must refrain from harassing or threatening his wife and children, and remain law abiding.

Furthermore, he is ordered to attend and complete anger management classes and he has to pay a $110 fine.