A father of two of Number 3 Village, West Berbice burst into tears in the Blairmont courtroom on Wednesday after Magistrate Nigel Hawke sentenced him to one year in jail for beating his wife.

Parmanand Jailall who unlawfully assaulted Deokie Nauth on January 22 begged the magistrate to give him a chance, saying he really loved his wife and two children and wanted to be with them.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Donna Grant-Fraser told the court that the man is a habitual abuser.

She also said that his penalty should send a “strong message” to other persons who abuse their wives.

Commenting that domestic violence is high in West Berbice, Magistrate Hawke told the man “don’t beat your wife.”

In his explanation Jailall said that after work he went out to drink with three of their “family friends” and after there was a little misunderstanding. He said he got angry and he pushed her, resulting in her suffering injuries.

Before the sentence was handed down, the woman  told the magistrate she was sorry for him and that she just wanted him to be warned and not be sent to jail, for their children’s sake.

The magistrate responded that the police had done their job to have the man arrested and he has to pay for the consequence of his actions.