An Indian origin man who stabbed his wife twice in the abdomen and pleaded guilty to attempted murder has been spared a prison sentence, in part because the judge took into account the family's Hindu culture.
Navinkumar Patel, 46, who owns a Motel in Kansas reportedly stabbed his wife with a pocketknife as she ate a bowl of cereal, and subsequently told police he had done it because his wife was overweight.
The lawyers for Patel told the court in Lawrence, Kansas that their client suffers from bipolar disorder which is exacerbated by alcohol addiction.
Several family members, including his wife, appeared at the court to support him, while others wrote to Douglas County District Court Judge Robert Fairchild requesting for a lenient sentence.
According to local newspaper the Lawrence Journal World, Patel’s attorney, John Kerns told the judge that in Hindu culture, his wife and children would also suffer if he were sentenced to prison. They would essentially be “ostracised”, he said.
Two of Patel's cousins addressed the court, saying that he was a loving husband and that the violent outburst was the first of its kind.
Judge Fairchild said: “The cultural part of it is very significant in this case,” adding that he did not want a prison sentence for Patel to further harm the family.
Instead, Patel was sentenced to serve probation but was ordered to remain in jail until a plan is established to help prevent a repeat offence.
Patel’s family said they were willing to ensure he remains sober and follows a strict medication schedule.
