SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - A 23-year-old man who physically assaulted a woman and threatened her life walked out of territorial court a free man on Wednesday.

After pleading guilty, Ryan Stockdale was credited with time served for assault, uttering threats, forcible entry and public mischief.

Crown prosecutor Danielle Vaillancourt told the court that Stockdale was intoxicated and walking with a woman and two other girls on July 27 when he became aggressive and "tried to pick fights with them."

While the two girls fled up Tin Can Hill, the man grabbed the woman in a "bear hug" and threw her to the ground, said Vaillancourt. Stockdale dragged her on the ground before climbing on top of her. He put his hands around her throat and said, "I could end it right now. I could snap your neck," Vaillancourt told the court.

He then got up and tried to kick her in the head, but missed and fell to the ground. He got up again and chased her as she ran to a home on School Draw Avenue.

Vaillancourt said Stockdale forced his way inside the residence, but the occupants managed to throw him out. Once outside, he yelled and banged on the door until finally giving up.

As he left the residence, he smashed the side mirror of a pick-up truck. The RCMP arrested him near the home and confiscated a bottle of rum.

The victim suffered scratches and bruises, and her sweater and dress were torn, but defence lawyer Hugh Latimer told the court she didn't require medical attention as a result of the incident.

The victim sat at the back of the courtroom, but she didn't address the court. She told Vaillancourt during a break she's hopeful counselling will help Stockdale with his issues.

Vaillancourt requested a sentence of four to six months in jail and counselling for alcohol and anger management. She also requested the man provide a DNA sample and be prohibited from owning firearms for one year.

Latimer told the court his client has "no recollection of (the event) happening" because he was intoxicated. Besides the rum, he also drank beer before the attack. Stockdale, who has prior convictions for assault and had been on probation since February, is from Behchoko, but spends time in Yellowknife.

Judge Christine Gagnon sentenced the man to 85 days in jail for all the offences, which is the same amount of time he spent in jail awaiting his day in court prior to his sentence. He was ordered to pay a victim of crime surcharge of $100 for assault and uttering threats.

The man also received one year of probation, which includes alcohol and anger management counselling. He's only to have contact with the woman on the condition that he's sober.

Stockdale will also have to pay $325.90 in restitution to the truck's owner for the cost of fixing the side mirror.

Gagnon also ordered the man to provide a DNA sample to police and prohibited him from owning firearms for one year.

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