Mountie who punched inmate eight times in B.C. jail gets conditional discharge

NANAIMO, B.C. – A Vancouver Island Mountie who pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily harm has received a conditional discharge and one year probation.

Const. Tim Bedard admitted he punched an inmate at the Nanaimo detachment after the man refused to remove his shorts while being booked into a cell and struck the officer.

Bedard hit the man eight times, leaving him with a broken nose, a possible fractured cheekbone and a black eye.

RCMP Supt. Mark Fisher says he respects the decision, though it's unclear when Bedard will return to front-line duties.

Court heard the officer has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, and the sentence means he will not have a criminal record.

Bedard must also complete 50 hours of community service within the first six months of his probation.