A Jamaican mason who repeatedly beat his wife with a metal construction level when she told him she wanted a divorce was sentenced to one year?s imprisonment in Supreme Court on Friday.

Davey Orlando Acka, 36, who pleaded guilty to the charge of grievous bodily harm, was also given two years probation by Puisne Judge Carlisle Greaves so that he could continue the counselling he has been receiving while on bail.

Defence counsel Elizabeth Christopher implored the judge not to impose a prison term, citing the destructive impact it would have on Acka?s four children for whom he is paying weekly child support.

Ms Christopher pointed out Acka had not violated the protection order handed down to him ?at any stage? and that he was making ?great strides? at his counselling sessions in the Abuse Free programme.

Addressing the court, Acka expressed his remorse for the violent outburst in January last year and insisted he still ?loved and cared? for his wife.

?I am truly sorry for what happened,? he said.

?Since the protection order expired I have spoken to her on the telephone several times and have apologised to her. I am a grounded individual in a position of responsibility at work and I am more than willing to continue in the counselling programmes. All I need is a second chance.?

But Mr. Justice Greaves agreed with Crown counsel Graveney Bannister that a strong message needed to be sent out, and argued it was impossible for Acka to avoid some time in jail.

He shied away, however, from the maximum penalty of five years as well the the Crown?s alternative suggestion of a sentence of between two and four years.

?I cannot send the message out that if you should beat thy wife and be good thereafter thou shalt be awarded by the courts of this land,? he said.

?I give credit to the defendant for his guilty plea and the positive steps he has taken since the offence...domestic violence is too prevalent an offence in today?s society for me to reward a person simply because he is remorseful, a good provider for his children and contributes to society through his trade. I am also aware that incarceration is going to result in some negative financial and emotional consequences. In the circumstances, I believe a sentence of 12 months imprisonment and a period of probation is appropriate.?