THE courts will not tolerate violence against women.
Magistrate Alipate Mataitini made the comment in the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday while sentencing a man to one year in prison for beating his wife.
In addition, Mr Mataitini issued a Permanent Domestic Violence Restraining Order against the man who was charged with assault.
He said the man could have faced a maximum of five years for the charge and that he had a history of domestic violence dating back to 2003.
"On three occasions, he was convicted for assaulting his wife in 2003, 2005 and 2006," Mr Mataitini said.
The man had initially denied the offence but later pleaded guilty.
The incident took place on December 20 last year when the man punched his wife several times in the face.
The court heard the incident happened in their home during an argument over money.
"Violence against women is not tolerated in this court," said Mr Mataitini.