LIHU‘E — A Kapa‘a man was granted a deferred sentence in an abuse case Thursday in 5th Circuit Court. Benjamin J. Benamati, 39, said that after five year’s as a stay-at-home father, he lost his identity and his composure when
LIHU‘E — A Kapa‘a man was granted a deferred sentence in an abuse case Thursday in 5th Circuit Court.
Benjamin J. Benamati, 39, said that after five year’s as a stay-at-home father, he lost his identity and his composure when his wife announced she was taking their children to the Mainland during a separation.
On June 4 he pleaded guilty to charges of third-degree assault and interfering with reporting a crime. The court granted a one-year deferral on assault charge and a six-month deferral on the interference charge.
State Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Christian Enright said the incident has taken its toll on Benamati. He said the defendant has taken proactive steps to restore his health and to rebuild the relationship.
County Second Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Samuel Jajich deferred to the court for sentencing.
Chief Judge Randal Valenciano said it’s not possible to turn back the clock. Relationships in separation create stress, and when it becomes a case in Family Court there are added pressures, he added.
