The accused pleaded guilty to assaulting his common-law wife by throwing a can at her head and throwing her against a wall, and to breaching a non-contact release condition by being found in her apartment.
The sentencing proceeded through a restorative justice sentencing circle involving the accused, the victim, the accused's mother, an Aboriginal Elder, court personnel, and counsel.
The court imposed a conditional discharge with 12 months probation, including no-contact provisions, counselling requirements for substance abuse and domestic violence, and weapons prohibition.
The sentence reflected principles of restorative justice and the accused's sincere efforts at rehabilitation despite his significant criminal history and substance abuse issues.
