A client recently pleaded guilty to assaulting his partner, where he slapped her in the face so hard that she had welts on the side of her face and neck.
Although the Magistrate considered that the matter was serious, as most domestic physical assaults are, I managed to convince the Magistrate that, taking into account the client’s prior good character and commitment to rehabilitation, it was a rare occasion where it was appropriate to not punish the client and therefore not record a criminal conviction.
The Magistrate considered my submissions and dismissed the matter pursuant to section 10 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act. The client was grateful to not have a criminal conviction recorded against his name.