Michael Nadli, Deh Cho MLA, pleaded guilty to 2004 assault charge

Court documents show Deh Cho MLA Michael Nadli's recent charge of assault causing bodily harm isn't the first time he's faced criminal charges.

Last week Nadli was arrested and charged with one count of assault causing bodily harm related to an incident in Fort Providence.

But seven years before he was elected MLANadli pleaded guilty to a charge of assault against his spouse, also in Fort Providence. Court documents show that incident took place on Feb. 22, 2004.

Nadli did not serve a jail sentence for that offence but was put on six months of probation. Conditions included checking in with a probation officer, undergoing counselling and completing 50 hours of community service.

Court records from 2004show thatJoachim Bonnetrouge, current chief of Fort Providence,gave Nadli a character reference, saying Nadli had "many accomplishments to his credit despite some of the odds and barriers he encountered during his personal and professional life."

"I know Michael hasn't had a drink in 11 years..." wrote Bonnetrouge, adding that despite Nadli's upbringing in residential schools, Nadli "is a very good father to his kids and family."

Nadli, who has been released on bail,is next due to appear in court on April 21 in Yellowknife.

The N.W.T. government says that unless MLAs are sentenced to jail time that takes them away from their legislative duties they can keep their jobs and run for election.