Anthony Crocker sentenced to community service for inmate assault
Former correctional officer Anthony Crocker has been given a suspended sentence for assaulting an inmate at the St. John's lockup.
Crocker, 35, will be put on probation, including 100 hours of community service, instead of serving a jail term.
Crocker had admitted striking inmate David Boland but had argued that force was justified, adding Boland spit at him more than once.
Judge James Walsh ruled in August at provincial court in St. John's that Crocker's actions were not justified. He said Boland had been lying face down with his hands handcuffed behind his back at the time of the incident.
On Tuesday, Walsh said he may have been more lenient in sentencing had Crocker had shown remorse and taken responsibility.
A suspended sentence means Crocker will have a criminal record.
He has been fired by the Department of Justice and Public Safety because of the incident.
