The district court in Cesky Krumlov has imposed the first house arrest sentence in the country under the new Penal Code, Nova TV reported.
Stefan Rolnik, 46, was given a one-year house arrest for rioting and causing bodily harm.
"This is the first house arrest verdict (in the Czech Republic). It has already taken effect," Justice Minister Daniela Kovarova told Nova.
Under the old Penal Code, the court could have given the man only a suspended prison sentence, but the new law, which came into force on January 1, introduces a broader scope of alternative sentences, such as house arrest.
Rolnik attacked a friend of his common-law wife under the influence of alcohol last year. His victim had to be hospitalized.
The court ruled that he would have to stay at home on workdays from 20:00 till 05:00 and during the whole weekends for a year. He must also undergo alcohol detox treatment. If he violates the rules, he will be sent to prison for eight months.
In Russia, last month, President Dmitry Medvedev signed into law a bill allowing courts to sentence people to house arrest. The bill will come into force starting January 10.
Electronic tags will be used to track those sentenced to house arrest for terms between two months and four years.
Two types of electronic bracelets will be used - a simple device transmitting to a nearby station, and bracelets with GPS tracking ability.
CESKY KRUMLOV, January 8 (RIA Novosti)
