Nassau-An argument between a divorcing couple turned violent when a man repeatedly punched his wife in the face on Sunday.
AF pleaded guilty to a charge of causing harm at his arraignment before Magistrate Samuel McKinney on May 18.
The altercation happened at the couple’s home in the Carmichael Road area around 9 a.m.
A weekend lockdown designed to slow the community spread of the coronavirus kept them at home, unless there was an emergency.
The court heard that AF punched his wife GF in the eyes and mouth during the heated row. What’s more, he attacked her again as she got her keys to leave.
The wife received medical treatment and doctors described her injuries as serious, the court heard.
Defense lawyer Tony Scriven said that AF was sorry for his actions.
Scriven said that AF had returned to the marital home in New Providence because he had lost his job as a construction worker in Abaco following Hurricane Dorian.
Scriven said that AF would leave the home until the divorce is finalized.
In passing sentence, Mckinney said,”Domestic violence is a serious matter that ought not be taken lightly.”
He ordered AF to pay $5,000 in compensation to his wife to avoid spending 18 months prison. Additionally, he placed AF on probation for three years. He could be jailed for a year if he breaches the probation.
Spike in domestic violence
Domestic violence cases have increased as more people are confined at home.
Crisis Centre Director Sandra Dean-Patterson said the lockdowns, curfews and job loss were responsible for the spike.
Although the Crisis Centre is closed, counsellors can be reached by text at 328-0922 or WhatsApp at 565-9633.
