By Dominic Taylor-
Derek Chauvin, the US white ex-police officer convicted of murdering African-American man George Floyd in Minneapolis in May 2020 has been sentenced to 22 years and six months in jail.er sparked global protests against racism and police brutality.
Judge Peter Cahill handed down the longest a serving officer has ever received for unlawful use of deadly force – on Friday, taking into account the 199 days the murderer has already served. He is expected to serve just 15 years and could be released on good behavior when he is eligible for parole. Many protesters were discontent with the sentence, but it still represents a significant progress for past times when officers could just sniff off a black life without any consequences.
The judge said Derek Chauvin’s sentence was based “on your abuse of a position of trust and authority, and also the particular cruelty shown” to Mr Floyd.
Chauvin, 45, was convicted of second-degree murder and other charges last month. During his trial, his lawyer described the killing as “an error made in good faith”.
Chauvin was also told to register as a predatory offender and was barred from owning firearms for life.
Judge Cahill wrote: ‘Mr. Chauvin, rather than pursuing the MPD mission, treated Mr. Floyd without respect and denied him the dignity owed to all human beings and which he certainly would have extended to a friend or neighbor.’
The sentencing came after Chauvin spoke briefly to offer the Floyd family his condolences.
Chauvin said he could not give a full statement because of additional legal matters, but said, ‘There’s going to be some other information in the future that would be of interest. And I hope things will give you some peace of mind. Thank you.’
Two federal indictments pending against Chauvin – one for violating Floyd’s civil rights during the arrest that led to his death and one for assaulting a 14-year-old with a flashlight.
Chauvin spoke after four heartbreaking victim impact statements from George Floyd’s family, including Floyd’s seven-year-old daughter Gianna Floyd, his nephew Brandon Williams, and brothers Terrence Floyd and Philonise Floyd.
Chauvin record of complaints had never resulted in any disciplinary action, leafing him comfortable to continue to act with impunity.
Chauvin alone alone had 18 complaints filed against him, only two of which were “closed with discipline,” CNN reports. A data base of police brutality listed seven complaints against Chauvin that have all been “closed” and resulted in “no discipline.” Other reports documented his involvement in multiple violent, and deadly cases of police abuse.
He and three other former officers are separately charged with violating George Floyd’s civil rights.
“This historic sentence brings the Floyd family and our nation one step closer to healing by delivering closure and accountability,” lawyer Ben Crump tweeted.
Seriously
Mr Floyd’s sister Bridgett Floyd said the sentence “shows that matters of police brutality are finally being taken seriously” but there was still “a long way to go”.
President Joe Biden said the sentence “seemed to be appropriate” but admitted that he did not know all the details.
What was said during the sentencing hearing?
During the sentencing hearing, Mr Floyd’s brother Terrence Floyd demanded the maximum available, a sentence of 40 years.
“Why? What were you thinking? What was going through your head when you had your knee on my brother’s neck?” he said.
Mr Floyd’s daughter Gianna, aged seven, appeared in a video recording, saying she missed him and she loved him.
“I ask about him all the time,” she said. “My daddy always used to help me brush my teeth.”
The judge said the case had been painful for the community and the country, but above all, for Mr Floyd’s family.
“What the sentence is not based on is emotion, or sympathy, but at the same time, I want to acknowledge the deep and tremendous pain that all the families are feeling, especially the Floyd family,” said Judge Peter Cahill.
Chauvin told the court he offered his condolences to the Floyd family, saying there would be “some other information in the future” and he hoped “things will give you some peace of mind”.
Chauvin’s mother foolishly bit understandably described her son as a “good man”.
“I have always believed in your innocence and I will never waver from that,” said Carolyn Pawlenty.
His mother’s words were empty statements of loyalty, not capable of changing the fate he created for himself.