A husband who beat his wife while her young children slept was ordered in court not to return home until he undergoes anger management counselling.

Rafael Araujo, 26, of Knapton Hill, Smith’s, was told by Magistrate Juan Wolffe yesterday that his attack on Renee Deshields was “very serious” and that there is “never an excuse” for a man to physically abuse his female partner.

“A very strong message must be sent to persons male and female,” the Magistrate said. “There must be zero tolerance by society and, indeed, by the courts, regarding such behaviour.”

At a previous hearing, Araujo admitted unlawfully assaulting Ms Deshields, thereby causing her bodily harm, and unlawfully detaining her on July 28 in Smith’s.

Prosecutor Takiyah Burgess said he inflicted multiple bruises on his wife’s neck, face and upper chest and the court heard he then prevented her from leaving the family home with her daughters, aged five and eight.

Appearing for sentence before Mr Wolffe, the construction worker said: “I still feel sick to my stomach thinking about that. This is why I enrolled myself in anger management because I know I need to do this for myself and everybody else.”

Mr Wolffe noted that he carried out the assault while his stepdaughters were in the house.

Araujo replied: “It makes me feel bad. I feel like a bad father to them.”

Duty counsel Kae Thomas-Palacio said the attack happened after the defendant discovered that his wife had been unfaithful, provoking an “emotional” response from him.

She said he had no previous convictions and was remorseful.

Mr Wolffe gave Araujo two years’ probation with several conditions attached, including that he abstain from alcohol and illicit substances; complete anger management and any other appropriate counselling; and enrol in a GED programme.

He took into consideration the fact that the defendant pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, sparing his wife from having to recount the “nightmarish incident” in court.

Ms Thomas-Palacio said Ms Deshields wanted her husband to return home but the Magistrate said he could not reside there for three months, until he has completed some counselling. That condition will be reviewed at Magistrates’ Court on December 10.

“He may still be emotional about the whole situation and I think he still is and I don’t want there to be any room for a spark or a reoccurrence until such time as he addresses his issues,” said Mr Wolffe.

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