Cape Dorset (Dec 20/04) - The man accused of keeping his common-law spouse cooped up in the house for months and threatening to kill her has been sentenced to 16 months in jail.

Kooyoo Pootoogook, 37, appeared before the Nunavut Court of Justice on Nov. 23 and pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, uttering threats, careless use of a firearm, possession of a firearm while prohibited and forcible confinement.

Pootoogook was arrested in Cape Dorset on Oct. 16, 2003, after police received a call from a woman who said she feared for her life.

An investigation uncovered a violent relationship between Pootoogook and the woman, who was his common-law spouse.

Pootoogook was also originally charged for attempted murder along with the other charges.

However, stay of proceedings were entered by the Crown for the three remaining charges of attempted murder, uttering threats and pointing a firearm. The charge of attempted murder was stayed as it would be difficult to prove intent, the Crown attorney said. Pootoogook will serve his time at the Baffin Correctional Centre.