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Habitual offender sentenced for domestic violence
An ex-convict who beat up his girlfriend while she was holding their 2-month-old baby was slapped with a maximum one-year prison sentence.
In a written judgment this week, Superior Court Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho ordered Sidney C. Kani to serve the one-year sentence without the possibility of parole. Kani, 33, was given credit for time served.
Kani pleaded guilty to assault and battery as part of a plea deal. He was represented by assistant public defender Eden Schwartz.
According to court records, on Jan. 2, 2014, Kani pushed his girlfriend, pulled her hair, slapped her face, and shoved her against the wall at their apartment unit in Tanapag, in the presence of their two young children.
Schwartz had recommended no more than eight months imprisonment and probation to allow Kani to get the help he needs to become a more loving partner and father.
Schwartz said the long-term girlfriend has no desire to prosecute this case and in fact wrote on March 3, 2014, to the prosecutor, expressing her wish that the government dismiss the case and allow the family to get back together.
Schwartz said the victim was not treated for any injuries in connection with this case.
Police, however, said the girlfriend’s lip was swollen and the right side of her face had scratches.
Police said the infant the woman was carrying was also injured when the power cord line of an electric fan hit the shoulder of the baby. The infant was taken to the Commonwealth Health Center for treatment of bruises and scratches on the left shoulder.
In July 2008, Kani was arrested for allegedly beating up his girlfriend and three other persons at a residence in As Matuis.
In December 2007, police arrested Kani for allegedly beating up his then minor girlfriend at their apartment in Tanapag.
In July 2000, Kani pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of interference with commerce by robbery in connection with two robbery cases at a poker arcade and a store. He was sentenced to prison.
