A Windsor cop is expected to be sentenced on Wednesday after he was found guilty of assault for a confrontation with a 22-year-old man that was caught on camera.
Const. Kent Rice pleaded not guilty after the incident in the stairwell of Windsor Residence on McDougall on Feb. 22, 2012. In the video, Gladson Chinyangwa, 22, could be seen on the floor.
The courtroom was packed with Rice's family, friends and colleagues during the sentencing hearing in a Windsor courtroom on Tuesday.
Over 130 pages of letters of reference for Rice were read in court on Tuesday. Defence lawyer Andrew Bradie says the letters show Rice's character and work history.
Bradie asked for Rice to be discharged and take part in community service.
Chinyangwa sat in the witness box as Assistant Crown attorney David Foulds read in his victim impact statement in court, saying he was “mentally and emotionally” scarred for life.
Chinyangwa later moved into the prisoner's box listening as each letter was read. He is currently in custody facing a number of unrelated charges.
Assistant Crown attorney David Foulds told the court the use of force was unlawful and the behaviour was unacceptable.
“There has been no demonstration of remorse, no apology to Mr. Chinyangwa,” says Foulds.
Justice Donald Downie announced the verdict on Aug. 30. Downie told the court he accepts that Rice did not assault Chinyangwa when he pushed him to the ground or hit him, but says two kicks were an assault.
Rice also faces two counts of discreditable conduct and one count of excessive force under the Police Services Act.
Sentencing was adjourned until 12 p.m. on Wednesday.
