A man with a history of domestic violence has been sentenced to 12 months of probation and three-months community service.

Talimealahi Tuileila appeared in the Criminal Court on Thursday where he was sentenced for two counts of assaulting a female and breaching a police safety order.

The court heard on December 15, 2021, police were called to an incident where the defendant’s partner requested a protection order.

On December 17, 2021, the victim was disturbed by the defendant, he breached the order.

He punched the victim twice in the back of the head.

When interviewed by police he refused to make a statement.

On January 8, 2022, he bought alcohol and refused to give police an explanation. He was again involved in a dispute with the victim when he spat in her face in the process of yelling and screaming at her.

The police prosecutor said the defendant refused to comment.

It was his second breach of bail and he was taken into police custody.

Tuileila was jailed for more than two months on January 13, following mounting frustration in court.

The defendant had appeared in court on December 23, 2021, charged with assaulting a female and breaching a police safety order, and breached bail the following day.

“He is not new to the system, he comes with a history of violence, especially to the victim,” the police prosecutor said.

A sentence of 12 months of probation was recommended as the victim sat at the back of the court.

Defence lawyer Norman George said he agreed with the recommendation.

“When you look at the history of this couple, the defendant’s partner is in court and she still supports him to be a good provider,” George said.

“They always drag the police into the situation, it’s very moderate violence, no reports of injuries.

“One supports the other, and the other supports them back.

“There is an element of comical drama in this relationship, they are fortunate police don’t charge them for wasting time.”

George said the main problem was the couple’s drinking, especially the defendant.

“They have four kids, a great responsibility to their family.”

Justice of the Peace Tangianau (Tangi) Taoro sentenced him to 12 months of probation, with the first three months as community service.

He was told not to purchase alcohol or go to nightclubs or bars, and ordered to pay medical costs of $20 and $50 court costs.               

Justice of the Peace John Whitta in sentencing Tuileila to nine weeks prison on January 13, said, in looking at the defendant’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.