A man convicted of four counts of assault on a female was sentenced to 16 months of probation supervision, with the first six months to be served as community service.

Poe Poila was sentenced by Justice of the Peace Tangi Taoro at the Criminal Court on Wednesday, after being reminded that the Court does not condone domestic violence.

The Court heard that in the early hours of November 17 last year, Poila assaulted the victim by punching her in a vehicle at Tupapa.

The victim got out of the vehicle, but he dragged her back inside and punched her.

According to the victim impact report and medical report, both her eyes were bruised.

The Court also heard that alcohol fuelled the attack

Defence counsel Mona Ioane said the defendant made a terrible mistake and was remorseful.

Ioane said the victim had provoked the defendant, causing him to slap her four times with the back of his palm.

JP Taoro said the defendant apologised to the victim but she did not accept his apology.

Despite the defence’s request for a discharge, JP Taoro stated that the Court does not condone domestic violence.

She further ordered that Poila not enter any liquor licence premises, not purchase or consume alcohol, to attend any counselling or workshop arranged by Probation Services, and not to leave Rarotonga or the Cook Islands without the approval of the Court.

Poila has also been ordered to pay $200 court costs and $20 medical costs.