Magistrate Juan Wolffe scolded a Southampton man in Magistrates’ Court after he pleaded guilty to assaulting another man at a taxi rank.Dane Stovell, of Pompano Lane, admitted to unlawfully assaulting Christopher Goulding outside Caisey’s Lounge on Queen Street.Prosecutor Cindy Clarke said that at 9.30pm on August 30, Mr Goulding and a friend were smoking a cigarette outside the nightclub when Stovell accosted Mr Goulding, repeatedly saying, “You owe me money.”Mr Goulding walked to the taxi stand on Church Street and got into a taxi.Stovell followed Mr Goulding and reached into the taxi and grabbed Mr Goulding’s collar. Stovell then forcibly pulled Mr Goulding out of the taxi, ripping Mr Goulding’s shirt, and pinned him against a nearby wall.Stovell was later arrested and taken to Hamilton Police Station.Ms Clarke informed the court that the defendant is “known to the court” and that he has many previous convictions for dishonesty and violence dating as far back as 1987.Speaking as defence lawyer, Oonagh Vaucrosson told the court that Stovell, 44, is a skilled plumber and that his recollection of the incident is different.Ms Vaucrosson also told the court that Stovell has recently changed his ways.“He has found Christianity over the past year and is on the path to the straight and narrow,” she said.Jokingly, Mr Wolffe asked, “Where did he find it?”“In his heart,” replied Ms Vaucrosson.“He has a standard that he’s trying to achieve. He has been baptised and goes faithfully to Bible study,” she continued.The Magistrate asked, “Where was the Lord on that day?” referring to the day of Stovell’s altercation.Mr Wolffe explained that people tend to use the Lord as they need him.“Forty-four and you’re still doing this ignorance?” said the Magistrate to the defendant. “You think that I’m honestly going to fall for the Lord thing?”“You know better. You’ve been in this court for assault before. You can speak all you want to. It’s your actions that speak louder,” said Mr Wolffe.Addressing the court, Stovell said: “I apologise sincerely.”“I believe you, I do. But we may have this conversation again next year,” said Mr Wolffe, referring to the defendant’s frequent court appearances.Stovell continued: “Since [the incident] I’ve been beating myself up because I’ve made so much progress.”Ms Vaucrosson argued that Stovell is a caregiver, as he has his two children and an elderly grandmother relying on him as a breadwinner. The defence lawyer also said that Stovell should be given credit for not appearing before the courts since 2010.“Seems like every two years we see him,” said Mr Wolffe.In deciding a sentence, Mr Wolffe said: “I think a fine is not appropriate given your record.”“Hopefully this is the last time,” said the Magistrate.“You’re no longer a young man. [There’s] no reason you should be engaging in this sort of foolishness.”Mr Wolffe sentenced Stovell to three months in jail, suspended for 12 months.