Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (May 30/03) - A man who head-butted his girlfriend on Valentine's Day was handed a $1,150 fine in territorial court this week. He pleaded guilty to the assault.

"It would have been cheaper for you to have delivered flowers instead of a head-butt on Valentines Day," said Judge Brian Bruser during sentencing.

After celebrating Valentine's Day with her friends, the woman met up with her boyfriend and the two went back to her place where they started arguing, said Crown counsel Scott Niblock.

He was asked to leave, but refused. The woman's daughter began pulling on his parka, asking him to leave.

That's when he head-butted the woman, which caused swelling on her face. He was then removed from the house by her daughter's boyfriend.

Niblock asked for one day in jail and one year of probation.

Defence lawyer James Mahon said the couple are still together and that his client -- who was detained when arrested -- has sought counselling. Mahon asked for probation or a high fine.

Bruser decided on a stiff fine.

"A head butt, that's a dangerous act," he said. "And you were given, sir, an opportunity to leave the home peacefully."