party was yesterday handed a four-month jail term in Magistrate's Court.

"The probation department feels as troubled about this matter as I,'' Senior Magistrate Will Francis told the accused, Sylvan Dill of Union Street, before passing sentence. Dill pleaded guilty in October to the assault and a social inquiry report was ordered.

Court heard that on the evening of July 29 he showed up intoxicated at his ex-wife's birthday party, exchanged greetings with her, and then left.

A short while later he returned and called his estranged wife outside. When she ignored him, Dill grabbed her tightly by the shirt, choking her.

Before other party guests could intervene he also kicked her in the stomach; she sustained bruises and scratches to her arms and upper torso.

Prosecutor Sergeant Kendrick James told the court he was concerned both with the prospect of Dill adhering to probation and obeying orders to keep away from the victim.

Dill however told Mr. Francis he had no intentions of seeing the victim again.

"There's really only one sentence it seems to me,'' replied Mr. Francis, before passing judgment.