Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 15/02) - A 30-year-old man will spend four months at the Yellowknife Correctional Centre for beating his spouse in the seventh month of her pregnancy.

After returning home to their apartment Oct. 25 the man began yelling at his pregnant wife, accusing her and their children of using him.

After slapping her several times on both sides of her head the man calmed down somewhat and began watching television and drinking beer.

But a short time later he became agitated over money issues, punched her, pulled her hair and dragged her down onto the floor. The victim escaped after kicking him in the back twice. She told police her husband said "he didn't care if she called the police and didn't care if he went to jail."

RCMP responded to the scene at 12:15 a.m. to find the victim inside a security vehicle with bruises on her face and appearing to be in pain.

She was transported to Stanton Territorial Hospital and found to also have bruising and soreness on her arms, stomach and back.

The man was charged with assault. He was released by a justice of the peace the following day pending certain conditions, including that he not visit his wife's apartment.

But the man did not adhere to the conditions, and promptly headed back to the apartment immediately after his release. He was then charged with failing to obey his undertaking.

Although the man has several convictions for assaulting the same complainant, the victim told the court she did not wish to leave her husband but does want him to get help for his drinking and anger.

Judge Brian Bruser said he was disturbed that the man had a total disregard for the health and well-being of his wife and unborn child.

"The crime rings loudly and clearly for a severe sentence.

"Truly, I think you are at a high risk to re-offend," he said.

Besides the four- month jail term, Bruser issued a two-year probation order following the man's release. Under that order the man is required to undergo alcohol and anger management counselling and is prohibited from drinking, possessing or being under the influence of alcohol in the presence of his wife.