A man facing a raft of domestic related charges has been jailed for more than two months following mounting frustration in court.

Justice of the Peace John Whitta and defence lawyer Norman George expressed frustrations when Talimealahi Tuileila appeared in the Criminal Court on assaulting a female, breaching a police safety order and contempt of court charges.

At court on Thursday the police prosecutor said Tuileila appeared in court on December 23 charged with assaulting a female and breaching a police safety order.

The matter was adjourned to February 10 on the condition Tuileila was not to purchase alcohol.

He breached bail the following day.

On January 8 he bought alcohol and refused to give police an explanation.

He breached bail a second time on January 8 and was taken into police custody.

The police prosecutor said Tuileila was appearing on a third contempt of court charge within a three-week period.

“He has a history of breaches.

“This matter was reported by his partner due to his behaviour, it shows disregard.

“We are looking at a heftier penalty than a fine, he is not learning.”

The prosecutor said it was a continuing domestic matter due to Tuileila’s drinking, before recommending a custodial sentence.

Lawyer George said it was becoming more difficult to find justification for Tuileila’s actions.

Tuileila’s partner, who was in court, wanted him removed from the house on January 8, George said.

“This couple have a very turbulent relationship, they have three kids, they broke up for three years and got back together, now they have a fourth child on the way.

“It is Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde for this man, he is a good provider but he can’t control his drinking.

“I am feeling fatigue about representing this man, the patience of the court is being tested.”

George said Tuileila was a carpenter and presented a letter of reference for work he had undertaken for the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

George said the Ministry intended to rehire him to carry out more work this month before asking for a heavy fine.

“He can’t expect the court to bend to him with his drinking, there is room for improvement.

“I have spoken to his partner and they are heading for disaster.”

JP Whitta asked for a summary of the facts before adjourning the court to consider the matter.

“I think we will deal with it today; I remember asking him to behave himself.

“We will deal with this charge.”

When he returned, JP Whitta said Tuileila was facing a single charge of contempt of court which carried a maximum penalty of $100 or six months in prison.

“Police have voiced frustration over the last two weeks and asked for a custody.

“You are no stranger to the system, I have voiced frustration and given you advice.”

JP Whitta said, in looking at Tuileila’s criminal history, he had 14 contempt of court charges, seven of those alcohol related, and 16 breaches of probation, all but one alcohol related.

“You have a poor record, I believe a prison sentence is inevitable.”

JP Whitta started at 10 weeks and took a week off for the guilty plea, plus time Tuileila had already served in custody.  

Tuileila is due to reappear in court on February 10.