Former Minneapolis Police officer, Derek Chauvin has been sentenced to 22-and-a-half years in prison for the murder of George Floyd.
Chauvin, 45, was found guilty by a jury in April of second and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter for pressing his knee into Mr Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes as he begged for his life and repeatedly said; “I can’t breathe.”
Mr Floyd, a Black man, was killed in May 2020 after police officers responded to a call that he had used a counterfeit $20 bill at a convenience store in the city.
The sentence is 10 years more than the average sentence for the crime, which 12.5 years.
Sentencing Chauvin, Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill said, “My comments will be brief.
He said; “What the sentence is not based on is emotion or sympathy, but at the same time I want acknowledge the deep and tremendous pain that all the families are feeling, especially the Floyd family. I acknowledge and hear the pain you are feeling.
“I am not going to attempt to be profound or clever it is not the appropriate time. I am not basing my sentencing on public opinion, or any attempt to send any messages.”
Mr Floyd’s murder was captured by bystanders on their phones and the viral video led to months of racial injustice protests across the United States.
It sparked mass protests and rioting in Minnesota and worldwide. It also prompted a national conversation on systemic racism and police brutality.
Chauvin, who wore a grey suit and tie, gave his “condolences to the Floyd family” as he was jailed.
The judge ruled last month that Chauvin had been “particularly cruel” in killing Mr Floyd in front of children and had abused his authority, and the prosecution had asked for a 30-year sentence.
Earlier in the hearing Chauvin shad broken his silence, but said he would not be able to give a formal statement because of other legal issues.
He said; “I want to give my condolences to the Floyd family, there is going to be some other information in the future that would be of interest and I hope that things will give you some peace of mind, thank you.”
INDEPENDENT