Drunkeness no excuse: Judge
By JOSHUA ARLO
 HOMICIDE arising out of domestic arguments between husbands and wives is a prevalent offence in the community and must be met with a very stern sentence, National Court judge Justice Panuel Mogish said.
The judge said this last Friday when sentencing Nicholas Aia Aisi, a 54- year-old grandfather and father of eight, to 10 years in jail for killing his wife.
He hit his wife when she was trying to save her daughter from being beaten with a bamboo by Aisi.
The killing occurred on June 4, 2007, when Aisi came home drunk and a domestic argument started.
“This woman was your wife, the mother of your children, entitled to your respect and support and protection.
“You have through your violent assault, robbed her of her life,” Justice Mogish said when sentencing him.
According to facts before the court, Aisi had had his dinner and was preparing to go to bed when he spilled beer on his bed.
His wife (deceased) became angry and complained to Aisi that he was wasting the family’s money on beer.
Aisi tried to assault her but she ran out of the house, with him chasing her.
Unsuccessful, he returned home and started hurling abuses at his wife and threatened to kill her.
One of his four daughters heard him and told him to refrain making such comments.
Infuriated, he got a piece of bamboo and hit her.
When his wife saw what was happening, she came to the aid of her daughter.
Aisi turned his attention on his wife and hit her on the left side of her head.
She fell down and bled profusely.
She was taken to the hospital but died due to loss of blood.
Aisi, from Mou village, Bereina, Central province, pleaded guilty to unlawful killing.
He apologised for what he did and said he missed his family.
He said he was drunk at the time, and promised to “do custom” and asked to be placed on good behaviour bond.
But Justice Mogish said being drunk was not a defence in law and could not justify the abuse rendered.
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