WAUKESHA Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Waukesha County man accused of beating his wife with a wrench was granted conditional release after the victim, his wife, asked the judge to allow him to come home.

"Our family needs to be together to recover and heal Peter and I need to live this last chapter of our lives together. My faith in Peter Sleser is unwavering as it has been for the last 42 years of our married life," said Catherine Slesar, victim and defendant's wife.

Cathy Slesar blamed the attack on her husband's mental illness. She described him as a gentle and peaceful man.

In February of last year, Slesar hit his wife more than 10 times with a wrench.

There's a review hearing scheduled for next month.