A MAN who slapped his pregnant partner twice was labelled a coward by magistrate Joy Boulos in Leeton Local Court this week.
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Harry Daudravuni, 21, was charged with common assault following the incident on March 24 where he slapped his partner twice on the face.
The woman, who was eight weeks pregnant at the time, was not seriously injured, but slight bruising did appear on her face.
Daudravuni appeared in Leeton Local Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to the assault.
His solicitor, William Glowrey, told the court Daudravuni recognised his behaviour was "appalling".
"He is aware of that ... he is very remorseful," Mr Glowrey said.
"This is the first time he has been before the court and there is evidence he is of good character.
"This behaviour is totally out of character for him."
You slapped her and then you slapped her again ... by doing so, you are a coward.
- Magistrate Joy Boulos
The court heard Daudravuni slapped his partner after first complaining about a "lack of affection" being shown toward him.
The victim got up and walked away after the assault before Daudravuni threw his mobile phone and followed her before slapping her again.
Ms Boulos said domestic violence of any sort would not be tolerated.
"You slapped her and then you slapped her again ... by doing so, you are a coward," Ms Boulos said.
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Mr Glowrey asked no conviction be recorded, but Ms Boulos strongly disagreed.
She said a strong message needed to be sent to the community that domestic violence of all varieties was abhorrent.
With that in mind, Daudravuni was handed a community corrections order for a 12-month period.
He will be required to complete programs in anger management, domestic violence and other lifestyle areas.