Man ordered to pay girlfriend's medical bills

A man who beat his

girlfriend was ordered to cover the cost of her medical bills when the couple appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Friday.

Basil White pleaded guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm.

The court heard that on August 11, 2015, White punched and kicked his girlfriend all over her body, causing pain.

Senior RM Judith Pusey informed the accused that he could spend tree years in prison for his offence and asked him to provide reasons as to why he should not serve time.

His response was, "She a me girlfriend, your honour." The court erupted with laughter, and the RM responded, "That's exactly why you should go to prison."

White's girlfriend explained that they had been in a relationship for a while, and this was the first time he hit her. She also said that she was wrong in the situation because she went to a street dance and this angered her companion.

The RM ordered White to repay the $6,000, which his girlfriend paid for her medical bills and an additional $6,000 for the discomfort experienced. White handed over $8,000 in court.

In a light-hearted manner, the judge then said, "behave yourself and carry her go buy Kentucky chicken now."