Yellowknife (Aug 01/03) - Judge Michel Bourassa reluctantly acquitted a man of uttering a death threat, even though he found the victim's testimony more convincing than the accuseds version of events in territorial court, Wednesday.

The man didnt get off altogether. Bourassa placed the man on a $1,000 peace bond for one year, and ordered him to have no contact with his former girlfriend.

Bourassa said he cannot convict a person based on common sense, gut feelings or experience.

He said Crown prosecutora Paul Falvos cross-examination of the man did not provide him with a reason to reject the accuseds testimony.

The complainant claimed the man threatened to kill her over the telephone on March 22.

Her friend testified she overheard the threat on speaker phone.

The accused admitted having a mutual argument with the woman over the telephone, but denied making the threat. His friend testified he overheard the two screaming at each other over the telephone, but did not hear any threats.