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Despite alleged domestic dispute, wife wants husband back home

ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A 45-year-old man from Fagasa was arrested Monday night on the allegation that he assaulted his wife while he was under the influence of alcohol.

The wife was present with noticeable bruises on her right eye when her husband made his initial appearance in District Court yesterday morning. He denied the charges of public peace disturbance and 3rd degree assault against him.

The government claims that the alleged incident happened when the defendant came home drunk and assaulted his wife by throwing multiple punches at her face.

Samoa News understands that the victim has informed prosecutors that she wants her husband to return home.

After reviewing the government’s case, Judge Fiti Sunia released the defendant on his own recognizance subject to the following conditions: that he remain a law-abiding citizen, remain drug and alcohol free, and maintain peace within his family at all times.

“You have to keep the peace at all times, not only in your family, but also elsewhere, do you understand?” Sunia asked the defendant who responded, “I understand, Your Honor.”

Sunia continued, “The only reason why you are allowed to go back home is because your wife has asked the government and the court to allow you to return home. But, if you violate any of these conditions, no matter how hard your wife asks the court to release you back home, you will be locked up at the TCF or find another place to stay until this matter is resolved. Do you understand?” Sunia asked the defendant who answered in the affirmative.

“So, it's up to you now, whether you want to obey the court or yourself,” the judge concluded.