A 39-year-old man who head- butted and kicked his wife in the face has been fined $2,000 in the Honiara Magistrate’s Court.
He was sentenced on Tuesday after pleading guilty to one count of Domestic Violence – Physical Abuse.
In delivering the sentence, Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison said the use of a head-butt and kicking to the lips aggravated the offence, noting that both the head and lips are vulnerable human organs.
“The head if used with force to assault another person’s head/mouth can be dangerous and may result in other health complications,” Magistrate Hollison said.
He added that this sentence should serve as a warning personally for the defendant and the public that this court is now taking a deterrent approach when imposing sentence in relation to domestic- violence cases.
The defendant and his wife who is the complainant share two children.
During the sentencing submissions, the defence presented mitigating factors and the defendant’s personal circumstances and asked the court to impose either a fine or a bound- over sentence.
The Prosecution highlighted several aggravating features, including a breach of the peace, physical and mental harm suffered by the victim, and the defendant’s lack of care for his wife.
Police Prosecutor Smith Abuo stressed that despite the defendant giving $200 in compensation, this did not remove his criminal liability.
He also noted that such offences are becoming increasingly common in the country.
After considering the aggravating factors, mitigating factors, reconciliation and the defendant’s personal circumstances as a father of two, the court imposed a fine of $2,000, due on November 20.
Failure to pay the fine by the deadline will result in three months’ imprisonment.
The court also imposed a $2,000 bound-over for 24 months
This requires the defendant to keep the peace and be of good behavior during the period.
If he re-offends within the 24 months, he must pay the $2,000 and will face a fresh charge.
The incident occurred 9 June 2025 at around 8pm at the couple’s residence in Honiara.
The defendant arrived home that night under the influence of liquor and began arguing with the wife about why had not gone to church that day.
When she told him she was not willing to go, he accused her of having an extramarital affair, and then head-butted her face and kicked her lips with his right leg.
The couple later reconciled, and the defendant gave $200 as compensation.
Trevor Tukochi of Public Solicitor’s Office represented the defendant.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
