TORONTO STAR (Ontario) 18 July 04 Florida woman battered with pet alligator
Port Orange, Fla. (AP): A man hit his girlfriend with a one-metre-long alligator and threw beer bottles at her during an argument in the couple's trailer, authorities said.
David Havenner, 41, was ordered held without bail Saturday on misdemeanour charges of battery and possession of an alligator.
The alligator, which Havenner had been keeping in his bathtub, was turned over to Florida wildlife officials.
Nancy Monico, 39, told investigators Havenner beat her with his fists, then grabbed the alligator and swung it at her as she tried to escape, sheriff's spokesman Gary Davidson said. She said the animal hit her at least once. She also told authorities Havenner threw empty beer bottles at her, Davidson said.
Havenner's version of the story differed. He told investigators Monico bit his hand because she was upset they had run out of alcohol.
Florida woman battered with pet alligator