Judge Frees Man If He Goes Bowling With Wife
"Flowers, birthday card, Red Lobster, bowling."
These are the terms of a sentence handed down to Joseph Bray, a Florida man accused of domestic violence. Broward County Judge John Hurley felt the incident was "very, very minor" and that Bray's wife could use a little romance.
The underlying altercation allegedly began when Bray forgot to wish her a happy birthday.
The lack of sentiment somehow led Joseph Bray to throw his wife onto the couch, explains the Sun-Sentinel. He then put his hand on her neck and raised his fist to hit her. He never did, and his wife told Judge Hurley that she doesn't fear that he will in the future.
After hearing this, Judge Hurley asked the wife what she liked to do and eat. She replied with bowling and Red Lobster. The judge then explained exactly how Bray's punishment will play out:
He's going to stop by somewhere and he's going to get some flowers. And then he's going to go home, pick up his wife, get dressed, take her to Red Lobster. And then after they have Red Lobster, they're going to go bowling.
He also ruled that the pair must see a marriage counselor, further reports the Associated Press.
Though judges have incredible discretion in sentencing, this punishment is out of the ordinary. But Judge Hurley stressed the nature of the case, reports the Sun-Sentinel. Bray has no criminal history, and his wife was not injured. It also doesn't appear that she is in danger of being injured.
He thinks Joseph Bray just got a bit out of line, and that what the couple really needs is some counseling and connection.
Related Resources:
- Judge Orders Joseph Bray To Take His Wife On Date To Red Lobster And Bowling (Huffington Post)
- Domestic Violence (FindLaw)
- Ohio Couple Serves Time in Kiddie Pool for Rafting Flooded River (FindLaw's Legally Weird)