A man who admitted in court that he slapped his 19 year-old sister has been placed on 12 months probation and fined $160.
Fou Tauialo said his anger got the best of him and slapped his sister on the cheek.
He pled guilty to 3rd degree assault and the public peace disturbance count he was charged with was dismissed.
The father of three pleaded for the court allow him to work so he could take care of his family.
District Court Judge Fiti Sunia showed concerns about the defendant’s family, noting that Tauialo was unemployed.
The court learned that immigration papers for Tauialo, whose grandmother is American Samoan, are still being processed.
The defendant also has an outstanding bench warrant for failing to turn up for a hearing in connection with reckless driving.
The judge ordered that he pay the outstanding balance of his fine of $160 before his review next year.
Judge Sunia told the defendant if he can show the court that he can get a job, pay his fines and get his ID renewed then maybe the court would shorten his probation.
