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Man blames his wife for arrest — she started it, he says

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ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The 40-year-old man who was convicted of assaulting his wife while he was extremely intoxicated told the court that she was the one who started the fight, which landed him a 3-night stay at the Territorial Correctional Facility (TCF).

The defendant was initially charged with third 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 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 while intoxicated, by punching her face multiple times, pulling her hair, and kicking her in the back. The defendant further admits that his actions injured his wife.

When given the chance to address the court, the defendant apologized and asked for a second chance to continue to care for his wife and three young children. He apologized to his wife and children and promised that this would not happen again. He did tell the court that it was his wife who started the fight.

Attorneys from both sides recommended probation for 12 months.

The Court accepted the defendant’s apology and placed him on probation for 12 months under certain conditions.

The defendant was ordered to be drug and alcohol 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 an anger management counseling class and pay a $105 fine.