Farmer to pay $400,000 for damaging wife's property

A farmer who became enraged and damaged his estranged wife's property will have to fork out $400,000 as restitution.

Lambert Ennis, a 56-year-old farmer, pleaded guilty to malicious destruction of property. His lawyer added that it was a fit of jealousy that instigated his actions, and pleaded with the court to be understanding, given the situation.

The court heard that, on June 28, Ennis damaged his wife's five window panes, a door, figurines, a refrigerator and a computer. The wife said the total cost of the items damaged is $440,000, but said she would settle for $400,000.

The court further heard that the couple has been married for 19 years and have a 13-year-old child, for whom Ennis has failed to pay the requisite child support.

Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey, ordered Ennis to pay $400,000 in restitution, although his lawyer stated that he does not have the money.

"I think he's refusing to pay out of spite. He is the only man that's working and doesn't have any money, at all," Pusey said.

She also sentenced Ennis to 12 months, suspended for two years. This means he will have to serve the 12 months behind bars if he becomes entangled with the law within two years.