Whati (Aug 14/06) - A Whati who man was convicted of aggravated assault will spend 10 months in jail.

Forty-one-year-old Gilbert Nitsiza was sentenced in territorial court on Aug. 9. Nitsiza will also face a year of probation. Judge Bernadette Schmaltz decided against a conditional sentence because of Nitsiza's prior record for violent offenses, often while under the influence of alcohol.

"Drunken, violent attacks have to be condemned," said Schmaltz.

Nitsiza apologized in court for his actions and noted his problems with alcohol abuse.

"First off, I'm sorry for causing all these problems and wasting the court's time and money," he said.

"I was sober for seven months (before the assault)...(the victim) has always been the best of friends to me," he said.

Nitsiza said he was doing his best to be a better person and get involved in his community as a leader.

He supported this by providing letters of support from people in Whati and newspaper articles about his volunteer work with youth.

Schmaltz said she took the letters into consideration, but that his criminal record and lack of addiction counselling could not be ignored.

Schmaltz read out parts of Nitsiza's record, noting the conviction for forcible confinement and spousal assault, both committed in the last two years.

One would not expect this type of harm from a guest, a friend, or a relative," she said.

On March 28 in Whati, Nitsiza was drinking at a house party when he got into an argument with the victim. Nitsiza kicked the man in the face, knocking him from the couch. Schmaltz said there was extensive bruising and cuts to the victim's face, which took weeks to heal.

Nitsiza has served six jail sentences for convictions relating to violence.