Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A 42-year-old man who was accused of assaulting his wife while he was extremely intoxicated told the court that he was sorry for his actions.

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 pled 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 13-month old daughter, by punching her in the face multiple times, pulling her hair and kicking her in the back. The defendant further admitted that his actions not only injured his wife but also put his daughter’s life at risk.

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

District Court Judge Fiti Sunia accepted the defendant’s apology and then placed him on probation for 24 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 the order of the court. He also must refrain from harassing or threatening his wife and children and remain law abiding.

He was further ordered to attend and complete an anger-counseling program and pay a $125 fine.