Judge sentences husband to buy his wife flowers, take her out to dinner.

Forget prison, parole or probation: A Florida man was sentenced to buy his wife flowers, take her to Red Lobster and then out for a night of bowling.

Joseph Bray, 47, received the unusual sentence after his arrest for domestic violence in an argument that started when he forgot his wife’s birthday, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

Judge John Hurley also ordered Bray and his wife to undergo marriage counseling.

The light sentence came after Bray’s wife confirmed to the judge that she was not injured in the dispute and that she didn’t fear a repeat.

Bray had no prior arrests, and never hit his wife during the scuffle that started after he made no acknowledgment of his spouse’s birthday Monday.

“He’s going to stop by somewhere and he’s going to get some flowers,” Hurley said in court. “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.”

The dinner and entertainment portions of the sentence came after
Hurley asked Bray’s wife about her favorite pastimes and places to dine.

Hurley said the light sentence was appropriate under the circumstances of the case. He did order the marriage counseling to begin within a week.

story;; Hurley asked Bray’s wife about her favorite pastimes and places to dine.Hurley said the light sentence was appropriate under the circumstances of the case. He did order the marriage counseling to begin within a week.Read more: www.nydailynews.com...

How stupid is this??? Our political system is now forcing men to date their wives?? Really?

Originally posted by ReadyPower
How stupid is this??? Our political system is now forcing men to date their wives?? Really?

I suppose it's better than being locked away in prison.

How do you enforce this exactly?

They have a police officer escort the man to dinner.

"Sir, right this way." "Ok, sir, you're going to be ordering the filet"

"Sir, that's not how you bowl, I'm afraid I'll have to take you 'down town.'"

reply to post by ReadyPower


A Judge with creative sentencing and requirements....I like it...and to me it is somewhat humorous too. I hope things work out for this couple.

I like it, maybe he will remember next time

So this is American tax dollars at work? I'm amazed this even saw the inside of a courtroom. Just for getting that kind of a verdict I would have looked at that judge and laughed my ass off.

And we wonder how convicted murderers are pardoned. All these people with any amount of power are really showing their true IQ as of late. I just hope this trend continues and more revealing issues are brought into the light.

Red Lobster? Bowling?
Seems to me, even the judge is a cheapskate.

In domestic abuse cases, it is usually the DA that brings up charges.
Since the man had no priors, and the wife wasn't hurt, I feel the sentence was appropriate.

I have to honestly say I really like that. The judge officially has my respect. Awareness of the situation, and a clear headed method of resolving the issue. You know that man will never forget that sentence, and neither will his wife. I also suspect he will never forget her birthday again, lest he not receive such ironic treatment.

reply to post by ReadyPower


That's actually a really appropriate sentence.

Good on that judge!

To me a birthday is just another trip around the sun. the way I read this she was mad he forgot she made a full rotation haha.


Posted Via ATS Mobile: m.abovetopsecret.com

Originally posted by ReadyPower
How stupid is this??? Our political system is now forcing men to date their wives?? Really?

The stupidity lied in arresting the man to begin with. The wife admits to no injury, nor any fear of future threat, but this man is arrested for "domestic violence". It is stupid to believe that by legislating stupid acts this will result in anything other than stupid decisions.

Here's the video, he orders them to Red Lobster... is this the best he can come up with? What's wrong with the Olive Garden?

The judge could have picked a nicer restaurant than Red Lobster.

I wonder if he will be sending all offenders to the Red Lobster.

Maybe the judge is getting a little kick back under the table.

This could backfire he might just beat his wife again worser than before or even killing her next time. The wife could have been assulted numerous times while the judge didnt even know it. Women in abusive relationships tend to lie about their situation. One small case of assault can grow even bigger. I'm not saying this is an abusive situation but you never know.

The wife didn't want him charged but he should have been. That's what you deserve calling the cops and this is what our justice system should do, charge him to the appropriate matter he's done.

Instead he goes free and takes her out to dinner? Whaaaaaat whhat whaaaat!!,!? If he never hit her this should not have never been brought to court and the wife instead of him should be charged for saying falsely claiming "she was assaulted."

Waste of the judicial system. This is no different then someone in court charged with selling coc aine for their first time as the judge drops all charges immediantly saying "never sell drugs again you are free to go, you're not going to jail".

Originally posted by anthonygillespie2012
This could backfire he might just beat his wife again worser than before or even killing her next time. The wife could have been assulted numerous times while the judge didnt even know it. Women in abusive relationships tend to lie about their situation. One small case of assault can grow even bigger. I'm not saying this is an abusive situation but you never know.

The wife didn't want him charged but he should have been. That's what you deserve calling the cops and this is what our justice system should do, charge him to the appropriate matter he's done.

Instead he goes free and takes her out to dinner? Whaaaaaat whhat whaaaat!!,!?

Waste of the judicial system. This is no different then someone in court charged with selling coc aine for their first time as the judge drops all charges immediantly saying "never sell drugs again you are free to go, you're not going to jail".

edit on 8-2-2012 by anthonygillespie2012 because: (no reason given)

The article says he never hit her or caused her any injury. She was pissed off crazy and it seems he simply restrained her. Case never should have gone to court. Judge should have made the day for the night out.

didn't read the above post.

makes more sense, but still.. shouldn't have gone to court in this event.

Hey I though cruel and unusual punishments weren't allowed

Also why do I get the feel the judge was either drunk or high when he carried out this sentence? "weellll I think you two should just go to red lobster, then blowing or something, yeahhh. You'll create fond memories and sh*t and learn to appreciate each other like in that movie!! Once I bang my gavel it will be official!!"

Or maybe the judge was getting kick backs from red lobster?

Anyways, I don't really see the harm done, its more or less just a cute story as long as no one got hurt.

For those that didn't read the article, Red Lobster and Bowling was the wife's choice.