The Nanaimo RCMP officer who pleaded guilty to assault was sentenced to probation in provincial court Monday.
Const. Tim Bedard, an RCMP officer, was given a conditional discharge by Judge Brian Saunderson, with one year probation and 50 hours of community service. If he meets his conditions, he will have no criminal record.
Bedard was charged with assault causing bodily harm in February after an assault on an adult male suspect who was being booked into Nanaimo RCMP cells in June the previous year. A physical altercation ensued and the prisoner sustained injuries, according to the Independent Investigation Office.
Neil MacKenzie, Crown counsel spokesman, said Crown sought probation and a suspended sentence.
“A suspended sentence would result in a criminal record,” said MacKenzie. “It does constitute a criminal conviction. There is a record kept.”
Bedard also faced discipline from the RCMP, according to Supt. Mark Fisher, Nanaimo commanding officer.
“There was a code of conduct investigaton that I ordered shortly after the incident and that's been dealt with through internal discipline,” said Fisher.
He said he couldn't comment on what discipline Bedard faced due to privacy issues.
Bedard has been on administrative duties since the incident and Fisher said he will eventually return to active duty, although he didn't have a timeline.
Bert King, Bedard's legal counsel, was contacted for comment, but has not responded.