Valentine's Day was marred by domestic violence in Magistrates' Court yesterday when a 22-year-old man appeared on a charge of causing grievous bodily harm to the mother of his child.

Perry Hayward of Curving Avenue, Pembroke, pleaded not guilty to assaulting his girlfriend, who also appeared in court to say that she did not want to press charges.

The woman appeared in court with two black eyes and Senior Magistrate Carlisle Greaves had her sworn in to explain why she did not want to pursue the matter.

"I want to drop the charges for financial reasons," the woman said. "We've just had a baby together and I'm on maternity leave. He takes care of the household."

The Crown can still elect to proceed with a GBH charge even if the complainant withdraws, however, yesterday Crown Counsel Shade Subair said she did not want to make that decision in the Hayward case as she is related to the defendant.

Ms Subair asked that Mr. Greaves put the charges to the defendant, Hayward then denied the charge.

Mr. Greaves expressed disbelief that the woman involved did not want to prosecute. "You're saying you don't want to give evidence in this matter," he asked the woman.

"No," she replied. But Mr. Greaves pressed the woman and encouraged her to seek the advice of Women's Resource Centre.

"I'm going to let this sit for a little bit because I have a feeling people will be making noise about this," Mr. Greaves said. "This same thing happens everyday. We're going to adjourn it and bail you."

Hayward was set free on $1,000 bail until February 28 and in the interim Mr. Greaves said the woman should consult with WRC and Family Court.