A man who tried to help his intoxicated wife into their house using a winch and dog leash pled guilty to unlawfully causing bodily harm Wednesday after spending more than a month in custody.

Ontario Court of Justice Ron Boivin called the case “troubling and bizarre.”

Boivin told the man, whose name was withheld to protect his wife’s identity, that his decision showed poor judgement.

Court heard in an agreed statement of fact read by Crown attorney Russell Wood that the incident occurred on March 25 in West Nipissing.

“An incident like this doesn’t come before the court often. It’s unusual,” Wood said.

West Nipissing police were called to the home shortly before 9 p.m. after neighbours heard yelling and expressed concerned over a possible domestic disturbance.

“Police attended and it was an usual scene. The accused waved the officers over to the outside staircase where he was standing. There was a naked women’s body at the bottom of the stairs with some blood on her facial area,” Wood said.

“The woman had been exposed to the elements.”

Wood said the couple, who have been married 27 years, had been drinking while visiting friends.

“The accused told police his wife had tripped and bumped her heard while walking onto their driveway. She fell again and then indicated she wanted to be left alone,” he said.

“The victim was larger than the accused and he couldn’t pick her up. He took matters into his own hands and started to remove her clothing. The accused thought the cold air would wake her up, but it didn’t work”

Wood said the accused moved his ATV near the front staircase. He tied a dog leash around her torso and used the winch to drag her up the stairs.

The woman was treated in hospital for hypothermia and extensive bruising to the left side of her body. Her chest and buttocks also were bruised.

Court heard her injuries were so bad she spent one week in hospital.

The accused, who has been in custody since his arrest, said he was disgusted with himself.

“Most of my troubles have occurred when I’ve been consuming alcohol,” he said. “I do love her more than anything in the world. I’m truly sorry.”

Boivin sentenced the 56-year-old to time served plus a day, 12 months probation and a communication order between the accused and victim with restrictions. He also must provide a DNA sample and attend counselling for his alcohol dependency and anger management.