Relationship struggle leads to beating

A man who told the court that relationship struggles caused him to beat up his lover was fined $35,000 yesterday in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court.

Charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm is Kimani Kelly of a Woodford Park address.

He pleaded guilty with explanation.

He said, "Your honour every relationship has its ups and downs, however both of us are now attending counselling at church with a pastor three times a week."

The court heard that on November 19, Kelly punched the complainant in her stomach, face, neck and on her hands.

Resident Magistrate Simone Wolf-Reece asked the accused, "What does that have to do with ups and downs, punching someone all over their body?"

He told the RM that he was sorry for his actions and that she should consider giving him a chance, as he would not repeat such an act.

He was fined $35,000 or three months imprisonment and a fingerprint order made.