Samoa rugby star Muli'agatele Brian Lima has escaped a jail term for assaulting his former wife and her partner.
Lima was found guilty last month of five charges including causing grievous bodily harm, being armed with a dangerous weapon and issuing threats.
The prosecution had recommended a five year sentence as a starting point.
In front of a packed court, the presiding judge, Ida Malosi, sentenced Lima to two years supervision, and has required him to undergo counselling.
Our correspondent, Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia was in court, and says Lima's ex wife, Lemalu Sina Retzlaff, and her eldest son asked the judge to show Lima leniency.
He says the defence had also asked for a discharge without conviction, but this was rejected.
The presiding judge did not accept that part of the submission, because she said that this is a serious case, and it's a pre-meditation offence committed by Muliaga Brian Lima, not only to the complainant but to the partner. Two people were victims of this whole assault case.
Our correspondent, Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia.
